God Is Our Shelter and Strength

Advancing mercenary warriors
Clad in hideous uniform
Mounting horse-like beasts
Morphing into grisly forms
Flutter on the horizon of my mind

Who are these vile creatures
That raid my peace of mind –
The Evil One flexing his muscle
Training his troops to hustle
Readying them to draw the battle line

Child – don’t you know your mind is
The battlefield of this war
Fight back – draw your weapon
My Word is a two-edged sword
Speak it and your enemy must flee


I speak the Word of God –

The LORD of hosts is with us
The God of Jacob our refuge
God is our shelter and our strength
And a very present help in trouble



The LORD of hosts I see
His angels guarding me
A fortress is my Savior
My fears have turned to glee
Where is my enemy – he had to flee

By Carol Ann Hoel © March 2, 2011

_____________________________

Psalm 46 – The Bible – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

_______________________________

Note: The second and third parts of this Psalm, I believe, refer to end time prophecy, events that will take place during the Tribulation period and the Millennium. Nevertheless, God is the refuge of His people in any age. Hebrews 13:8 says: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.


About Carol Ann Ritchey

Life is good because God is good.
This entry was posted in Bible Verses, Poetry and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

19 Responses to God Is Our Shelter and Strength

  1. This was a great reminder to me, Carol. “Who are these vile creatures that raid my peace of mind?” How often I have found refuge in the midst of my battles just by seeking to meet God at his Word! His Word is indeed a two-edged sword. It pierces my heart while it takes down my enemies.

    Like

    • I like the way you said that, Marianne: “His Word is indeed a two-edges sword. It pierces my heart while it takes down my enemies.” Powerful statement.

      Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. Blessings to you…

      Like

  2. Barb says:

    My husband is in Afganistan. Israel has already made a “dry-run” to make sure they can fly in Iran and knock out their nuclear capabilities. They will not wait on Mr. Obama. When, not “if” Israel does this, all hell will break out on this earth.

    No one knows when Jesus will come back, but the Father. I always wondered why Russia and Iran were mentioned in end times, but not America. Looks like the greatest power on earth will self-destruct- via bankruptcy. China ownes us. You would have to be a fool not to see how this thing is all lined up. So what is important? Are “we” living a life in which Jesus Christ is our most precious treasure? Are “we” ready to meet Him face to face? Sadly, american “christianity” has been reduced to a very small “jesus”. The Lord has become a “buddy”, or an add on, to an already pretty good life. My friends, He is everything, or He is nothing!!!!!

    Like

    • There has never been a time in history that has been more accommodating to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy than the world scene today. All of prophecy revolves around the little nation of Israel. My mother used to repeat an old adage: Those who live in glass houses, shouldn’t throw stones. Israel lives in a glass house, even though she possesses nuclear power. Her enemies are many. And, as you say, all hell will break loose when she makes her move. Israel may hold back longer than we think. God will protect Israel now and will save her from her enemies.

      I’ve heard the same thing that you have, that America may lose her seat as a world power via bankruptcy. Only God can turn this around, and perhaps he will, or will hold it off until the rapture, if Christians respond in humility and prayer. The fields are ready to harvest. I pray that many will receive Christ.

      We know we have a secure future. How much trial may come before our rescue (rapture) we don’t know, but we know that God is our refuge. I surely agree with you that Christians need to recognize the awesomeness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. I like the way you put it: “He is everything, or He is nothing!”

      Thank you for your comment. Blessings to you and your husband, Barb…

      Like

      • pattisj says:

        Yes, you spoke that clearly, “He is everything, or He is nothing.” Many have never known, or forgotten that He is in control.

        Like

  3. Barb’s message was so right as was your response, Carol. I guess it just makes me glad that there are others who can discern the times! Whatever happens, our God will be with his people! God bless you all.

    Like

  4. pattisj says:

    Love this, Carol, “where is my enemy – he had to flee.” We tend to forget whose children we are.

    Like

  5. jannatwrites says:

    Great poem! It does seem like this world is full of battles and assaults on our faith. His word provides great strength.

    Like

  6. Fine work on this poem. The world is indeed quite a battlefield these days and so are minds and hearts.

    Like

    • Thank you for your visit and your comment. We cannot stop the battles we see going on in the world, but we can defend our minds and hearts from fearful thoughts by remembering God’s promises. I am thankful for this. Blessings to you, Jamie…

      Like

  7. flyinggma says:

    “My fears have turned to glee Where is my enemy – he had to flee”

    I love the promise that these words hold. God is in control and we will one day see the enemy fleeing and our joy will be complete. May blessings flow to you this day Carol.

    Like

    • Thank you for your comment and visit, Jeanne. Yes, we have much joy coming in the future, so much to look forward to. It’s a comfort to know God is in control here and now. Blessings to you, Jeanne…

      Like

  8. trisha says:

    this is such a truth carol, but we tend to forget it and cause ourselves pain.

    Like

  9. theonlycin says:

    Fine writing, Carol.
    I popped in to wish you love and light over the coming week.
    Thank you for your continual support.

    Like

Please share your thoughts...