A Mighty Fortress is Our God by Martin Luther, 1528 A.D.
“And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten
to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us;
That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.”
Observe: Luther’s hymn, based on Psalm 46, has been called the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation” for the inspiration it has given to Christians since the 16th century.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (Psalm 46:1–3).
Until recently, humanity has given very few thoughts about the possibility of a world catastrophe. But this psalm reminds us how we can face it unafraid. Its opening phrase means exactly what it says. Our true security is in God, not in God plus anything else.
Moses reminds God’s people,
“For what great (people) is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great (people) is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?” (Deuteronomy 4:7–8).
Our confidence comes from the promises we have revealed in God’s Word.
Blessings,
Pastor Don
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