God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.^[c]

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

This is a Psalm contrasting our difficulties with our Almighty God:

Whatever the earth might throw at us; God is present and able and strong to protect us.

Whatever the authorities might be doing around us; they are nothing because the earth only responds to the voice of the Lord.

In the midst of trouble and uncertainty; God’s people are made glad by the refreshment of the Holy Spirit (the river) and the presence of God Most High.

Whatever we face, may we know the peace, refreshment and joy of the Lord. He is our strength and refuge.

With much blessing,

Roland