Refuge in Troubled Times

Psalm 46
Tim Nay

Part of The Raw and Real Psalms

May 3, 2026

MAIN THOUGHT: 
Peace is not found in the absence of chaos, but in God’s sovereignty, power, and presence.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” —Psalm 46:1-3 ESV

The Reality: Faith doesn’t remove the hard stuff.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33 ESV“They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” —Numbers 16:3 ESV“and he said to Korah and all his company, “In the morning the Lord will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near to him. The one whom he chooses he will bring near to him. 6 Do this: take censers, Korah and all his company; 7 put fire in them and put incense on them before the Lord tomorrow, and the man whom the Lord chooses shall be the holy one. You have gone too far, sons of Levi!” —Numbers 16:5-7 ESV“Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you must also make yourself a prince over us?” —Numbers 16:13 ESV“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.” —Psalm 46:6 ESV“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” —Romans 13:1 ESV“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” —Psalm 46:4-5 ESV

The Refuge: God is where we go when life feels out of control.

Questions about Refuge: 
What is a refuge? 

Questions about Refuge: 
What is a refuge? 
How do we know if we are NOT going to God for our refuge? 
When should we seek refuge? 
How do we know when our refuge is not God?

“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. —Psalm 46:6-9 ESV

The Response: Slow down and trust that God’s got this.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah” —Psalm 46:10-11 ESV

Takeaway: Trouble is certain—but so is God’s presence. Run to Him.