WATCHWORD SEPTEMBER 2025
God is our refuge and strength.
Psalm 46:1
We live in uncertain times. So much of what we hear these days is about conflict, political unrest, and scenes of unnecessary violence and war. It’s enough to shake even the most grounded hearts. And when the world feels unstable, when fear creeps in, we naturally start to look for something steady, something safe.
Where do we turn for refuge?
Some try to find safety in wealth, in control, in self-help strategies, or even by escaping into distraction. And while some of these may bring temporary relief, none of them offer what our souls truly need. Psalm 46 opens with a bold declaration: “God is our refuge and strength”. Not wealth. Not certainty. Not escape. God.
A refuge is not something we automatically find ourselves in — it’s something we must seek out. It’s a place we run to. David is inviting us to choose our shelter wisely. Because only in God do we find the kind of security that holds fast when everything else shakes.
Not only is God our refuge, but He is also our strength. When we feel weak, overwhelmed, and powerless in the face of what’s happening in the world or in our lives, God provides the strength we lack. Allow these simple words to guide you. Run to God. Rest in Him. Trust Him to be your safe place and your strength. Amen.
Pastor Ingrid van Sittert
