*Sylvia Gunter’s daughter, Elizabeth Gunter Powell’s Spirit-filled words again inspire, encourage, and uplift us today. Enjoy! Blessings, Ed 😊
Knowing that this devotional reaches people in over 120 nations, I have struggled with what to share this week. With recent global events, the world feels scary. I am also aware of many who are dealing with pain and grief in their personal lives. Whether globally or personally, we are all feeling the weight of what we cannot control. We feel the ache of what we cannot change. We feel the pull to brace ourselves as though our vigilance will somehow make us safe.
The struggle is not allowing the circumstances to be louder than the character of God.
Beloved, listen to the Word of the Lord for you. “God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). And again, He says to you “If you make the Most High your dwelling even the LORD, who is my refuge then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:9–11).
He is very present. Not distant or distracted. Not waiting for things to calm down before He draws near. He is in the boat with you in the storm. The Most High is your Dwelling Place. The LORD is your Refuge. These are not poetic phrases; they are covenant names of God. He is bound to you by His name.
Let the strength of His name be louder than the circumstances.
He is exalted, omnipotent, supreme in majesty, above all, and in all. He is Commander of the armies of heaven. When the world feels unsteady, it is not because God has left. The Father has never wrung His hands over the nations. So, we can rest in His name.
We will still have trials. Jesus promised that in this world we would face trouble. But He also told us to take heart, for He has overcome the world. The war is already won, even if you find yourself in the toughest battle of your life right now. Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, is victorious.
But what do we do with the very present fear and danger of today? We hold on with hope and faith, not for a change of circumstances, but we hold on to the One who holds us. Faith does not always look like bold declarations. Sometimes it looks like breathing deeply when your chest feels tight. Sometimes it looks like doing the next faithful thing with trembling fingers. If your heart feels heavy today, you are not weak. You are human.
When fear rises, remember you are held by the Most High. Guarded by His command. Covered in His covenant love. You are a covenant son/daughter of God. He is entirely responsible for you. Immanuel walks with you. The LORD is your Refuge who surrounds you.
Pray with me
Most High God,
You are our Dwelling Place and our Refuge. When the world feels loud, and our hearts feel fragile, gather us under the shadow of Your wings. Command Your peace over our thoughts. Silence every lie that exalts itself against the knowledge of who You are.
We choose to make You our dwelling today. We choose to trust Your unfailing protection. We choose to stand in our covenant identity as Your sons and daughters.
Guard us in all our ways. Steady us when we feel shaken. Remind us that You are Commander of heaven’s armies and our tender Father who is attentive to our needs.
Teach us to walk in honor, dignity, and quiet authority, not in fear.
We receive Your nearness. We receive Your protection. We receive Your strength for the next faithful step.
In the mighty and gentle name of Jesus,
Amen.
© 2026 Elizabeth Gunter Powell An archive of our devotionals is available at on our website
Strength To Equal Your Days: 365 Days of Prayers and Blessings is a year-long journey of encouragement, filled with daily reminders of God’s love, faithfulness, and strength. Each page invites readers to pause, pray, and be refreshed by timeless truth. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who could use a touch of hope and peace: friends, family, coworkers, or even yourself. Give a gift that nourishes the soul and strengthens the spirit: 365 days of hope, faith, and blessings
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