The very familiar hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” was written by Martin Luther. You might even be humming the tune as you read that last sentence. It was made famous as the battle hymn of the Reformation. However, it should probably be best reflected as a hymn of comfort for Luther. At the time of its writing in 1527, he experienced what could be categorized as a challenging year in his life. Luther would have described it as undergoing a period of the worst temptation he faced. Dr. Coliver, a prominent commentator on Luther’s life, noted that this “temptation” would better be translated from German as “anything that causes anxiety, doubt, fear, suffering, or terror in a person’s life.” Let us consider the circumstances. Luther had led and fought for the Reformation for about ten years at this point. He was certainly physically and spiritually drained. One of his disciples was martyred in August of 1527. This was followed by the plague breaking out in the town of Wittenberg where Luther was pastoring. It certainly affected much of his congregation. And lastly, Luther lost a child that likely took him to the brink of this “temptation”. However, Luther took solace from Psalm 46. And out of his meditation upon this psalm, birthed this now familiar hymn. 

Perhaps, we have never experienced what Luther had to go through but we certainly have experienced similar “temptations” in our lives; anxiety, doubt, fear, suffering or terror. We can also seek solace from the words of Psalm 46. There are two main confessions in Psalm 46 which remind us that God’s presence is near and strong, verse 1 and 7 (and also verse 10 as it is a repeat of verse 7, since it is a chorus for the song). 

Verse 1 states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This is a promise that we can find protection under the Lord’s wings and in His mighty strength. And not only that, this verse also promises that He is always there to help when trouble arises. He is not far away, but instead He is ever present to protect us and walk us through the difficult times of our lives. We can hold on to this promise and hope. 

Verse 7 states, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” This verse reiterates His presence with us. But this time, there is power along with it. The Lord of hosts refers to our God being the commander of angelic legions. It is a statement of untold power. And this power can be found at our side! Secondly, His protection is also found to be our fortress. The promise of a reigning eternal King who will defend us is what is at stake here. Our future is a guaranteed victory because of Jesus Christ. As sure as He beat death on the third day, He is coming again. As believers, this gives us so much comfort and so much hope to face the daily grind of this life. 

May we be like Luther who found so much solace in God’s Word as he battled the “temptations” of this life. We can trust the truth of Psalm 46.  Let us now walk under His protection and hold onto His promises while realizing that His presence is with us!