Mighty Fortress Is Our God
After posting his 95 theses on the
door of Wittenburg’s Castle Church
in October 1517, Martin Luther faced
many years of trials & persecutions.
And during the years of the ensuing
Protestant Reformation, Luther came
to know the gracious power of God’s
sheltering hand. He confidently
stepped forward to defend the truth
he found in God’s Word, despite
excommunication from the Roman
church and intense spiritual battle.
In the comforting words of Psalm 46,
Luther found the inspiration for this
hymn that would become the battle
cry of the Protestant Reformation.
Many who suffered for their faith
during that time found solid comfort
in Luther’s words of faith & praise:
A mighty fortress is our God!
God is our Refuge and Strength,
always ready to Help in times
of trouble. So we will not fear
when earthquakes come and the
mountains crumble into the sea…
Be Still and know that I Am God,
I will be exalted among the nations…
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge
(Ps 46:1-2, 10-11). Amen.
Lord, when everything in my life
seems to be on the verge of falling
apart, help me to experience You
as my Refuge, my strength and
my firm foundation. You are the
mountain mover; and You also hold
creation steady in the palm of Your
hand. Guide me Lord as I entrust
my “mountains” to You my solid
and ever faithful Father. Amen.
Lord, I know You are on Your throne
but I don’t know what You are going
to do. And so my heart is restless
and I worry. Help me Lord to trust in
You and give me rest in who You are.
Lord, Your Word says You are my
strong help in times of trouble.
Forgive me for the times when I act
as though You don’t exist. For I don’t
have to fear, no matter what I face.
Teach me to pull back from troubles,
Be Still and focus on You. Amen.
A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
doth seek to work us woe-
His craft and pow’r are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal…
And though this world, will devils
filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He-
Lord Sabaoth His name,
from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle. Amen