Jon Allen

As we draw near, ever so near, to the end of summer (deep saddened sigh), I sit and ruminate on numerous conversations I’ve had with folks around town. They inevitably start something like this, “How’s your summer been?” This is quickly followed by a little retort like, “It’s been good. It’s been extremely busy, but good.” 

Almost without exception the response, including mine, has included if not centered on how busy and quickly summer has vanished. Not all the responses I encountered coupled the hurry with good. A handful also shared that it has been a season of difficulty and a certain amount of isolation and trouble. 

I have visited with a few individuals who have not only experienced the hurry and scurry of the season but also the tensions and struggles of the season. In the hurriedness of summer, we find ourselves battling life outside our routine. A life that can throw us out of our groove and into an emotional, physical and even spiritual tailspin making us stop, or at least slow down and get our bearings on life and what is important.

It also seems to be in times such as this conflict and strife can raise their ugly heads because we are not the only ones out of our groove. So, what is the answer to the hurry, struggles and strife we face in this season?

I believe it’s the same answer we find in any season of busy, hurry and strife: slow down. We should not only slow down but always consider who has our back. Concentrate on what is our stronghold. Find the shelter and protection of a safe haven. Find a fortress in these difficult and uncertain times. 

Psalm 46 has the answer to all our searching. Verses one through three say, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Verse seven goes on to tell us, “The Lord Almighty is with us.” And then repeats that statement again in verse 11, “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

To know that God, the almighty God, is our fortress, our refuge and our strength is most certainly a comfort to us, especially in the times we are currently facing. There are conflicts and troubles surrounding us. In this tumultuous time, it is comforting and confidence inspiring to know the God of the universe is our fortress. He is a place of hiding and protection.

How do we run to this fortress? How do we find this shelter and strength? Simply stated in verse 10 of this same chapter God himself instructs us, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

The God that will be exalted calls us to be still. He is telling us to take a break from the busyness of life. Take a breath and remember who he is and what he is for us. He is our refuge and our strength. He is an ever-present help in time of need.

So, let’s slow down folks. We need to slow down, be still, and remember we have a fortress in our God.

(Jon Allen is an associate pastor at Grace Point in Powell.)