In the summer of 1978 my wife Ione and I made a trip to Nicaragua from San Jose, Costa Rica, where we were living. We found ourselves driving through southern Nicaragua at night. Suddenly we were stopped by a car full of armed men, who drove us off into the country and proceeded to rob us.

At the time we were studying Spanish in a language school in Costa Rica, where we were required to memorize some Bible verses. Ione later told me that she kept repeating (in Spanish) the first words of Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way.”

It was (and still is) a great comfort to us that God is in control of everything, is stronger than anyone or anything, and has promised us who trust Him that we can always take refuge in Him, whatever our situation. All disasters in nature are under God’s mighty hand (verses 2,3). All nations must answer to Him. One word from God and all dangers melt away. He is exalted above all powers on earth (verse 10). He alone is God. He alone is all-powerful. Therefore He is our fortress (verse 7).

I believe we live in a society that tends to be paranoid. Paranoia is defined in part as unreasonable distrust or fear of danger. But even if there is real danger, even if there is imminent threat of personal harm, we should not be afraid. Is not God with us? Is not God able to do whatever He wills? And, whatever happens to us, is not God able to make what appears bad to us turn out for our good?

God is, after all, the creator of the universe. With nothing more than His Word God made all things. With one word He can bring to nothing whatever He wishes, or make into something what appears to be nothing. He is the true God, the God of love. He is like a sustaining river of mercy and peace (verse 4).

We can trust Him, although we do not deserve it. Sometimes we are driven by guilt over our sins to feel that God will not look upon us with His favor. Or we may be like the egotist who is afflicted with delusions of grandeur and thinks Himself too worthy. In either case, we need to remember who is really God. It is not ourselves. He alone is holy and just.

Above all, God is exalted in the earth because of His saving acts in the birth, life, death, resurrection, and glorification of Jesus Christ. His ultimate refuge is one of eternal salvation. Because we know that we shall have eternal life, we can meet the troubles, fears, and afflictions of this life with the strength that God gives to those who trust in Him as their Fortress.

My wife Ione and I were fine in the aftermath of that robbery. We lost some possessions, but we were not otherwise harmed. In one sense, it is good to lose some possessions through robbery, for it makes a person remember what Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).

Through God’s grace in Jesus we have the treasures we need right now, the spiritual treasures we cannot lose, the treasures which lead us to everlasting life.

David Lillegard is pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sebastian, Florida.