As we wrap up our thoughts on Psalm 46, it’s interesting to note that this psalm had a profound effect on another person centuries ago.

Martin Luther, the great church reformer and pastor of the 1500’s, along with his lesser-known friend and co-laborer, Philip Melanchthon, often served under much stress and pressure. When times were hard and they needed a reminder of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, Luther would say, “Come, Philip, let’s sing the Forty-sixth Psalm.” They would then sing Luther’s version, which we have come to know as “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
(James Montgomery Boice, Psalms, 3 vols. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1996), 2:388).

As we think about ministry and serving the Lord, it’s important to remember that we serve in community with others. Jesus often send His disciples out in pairs; Paul and Barnabas went on their early missionary journeys together; Paul took young Timothy under his wing to help him get started.

I am thankful for the faithful men and women that I get to serve alongside in my local church. There is more than enough work to do, and God provides many heads, hands, and feet to carry out His plans.

Today, especially today (our wedding anniversary), I am thankful for my dear wife Linda, as we do life together. While it’s only been two years since our dear friend John Freeman married us underneath the tree next to our home, it seems like it’s been five or more years (in the best way!) thanks to the pandemic.

In this Lenten season leading up to Easter, our prayer is that the Lord would continue to lead and guide us into where He is working and would have us join Him as a couple. We have very different gifts and calling individually, but sense His invitation to join Him together.

No matter what, Linda and I join with Luther and Melanchthon, in their version of Psalm 46:

1 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
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God’s own choosing.
You 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.

3 And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

4 That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!

Blessings,
~kevin