Hymns of the Church (Part VI) – How Mighty is God’s Fortress?

Sermon Title: Hymns of the Church – A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Good News Statement: God protects us by surrounding us

Summary: God’s Fortress is His Presence, Protection, and Power

Preached: Sunday, October 19^th, 2025, at Dogwood Prairie & Seed Chapel UMC

Pastor Daniel G. Skelton, M.Div.

 

Scripture (NRSV): Psalm 46:1-11Today’s scripture reading comes from the 46^th Psalm, which reminds us that through God’s mighty fortress we are helped, loved, and never alone. May the reading and hearing of scripture add meaning and understanding to your life.

God’s Defense of His City and People

To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
⁶ The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice; the earth melts.
⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations;
I am exalted in the earth.”
¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

The Word of God, for the People of God; And all God’s People said, “Thanks Be To God.”

 

Introduction[1]:

For almost two thousand years, Christians have used music as a way to worship. In the Bible the Apostle Paul writes: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” In the Book of Psalm we read these words, “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 98:4 and Psalm 100:1). For the past two thousand years, music has been used across denominational boundaries, beliefs, religious practices, and traditions as a means to embrace and celebrate the lessons of scripture. Needless to say, music has become an essential practice of one’s faith.

Hymns originated in ancient cultures and evolved through Jewish, Greek, and Roman practices, eventually becoming systematic in early Christianity with Latin chants. The roots of hymns can be traced to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and India. The word “hymn” comes from the Greek word “hymnos” which means “a song of praise”. Originally, hymns were written to honor various gods of varying traditions. The first recorded hymn, found in Exodus 15, is the Song of Moses in the Old Testament, celebrating the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea. Later on, in the same chapter, Miriam, Moses’ sister, encourages those around with tambourine in hand to “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously…” (Exodus 15:21).

Hymnody—the singing or composition of hymns—has evolved and changed since that first hymn in the Old Testament as well as over the centuries and has been affected by new thinking and developing religious beliefs. For example, throughout the history of the church, whenever there has been renewal, a revival or restoration, new songs of worship have appeared. During the Middle Ages hymnody developed in the form of Gregorian chant or ‘plainsong’. It was sung in Latin and most often by monastic choirs. But in the 16th Century, church goers were given much greater access to hymns as a result of the invention of the printing press and the influential German theologian, Martin Luther, who began encouraging people to sing together in congregations. As one resource noted, “Martin Luther in the 16th Century revolutionized Christian hymnody by encouraging congregations to sing hymns in their own languages (vernacular) rather than just Latin, a movement that spread widely with the invention of the printing press.”[2]

In England the non-conformist minister Isaac Watts (1674-1748) began a transformation of congregational singing. Watts believed strongly that hymns should express the religious feelings of the people and he became a prolific writer, creating hundreds of new hymns—such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “Joy to the World.” Watts has been described as “the liberator of English hymnody” as his hymns moved people away from simply singing Old Testament psalms to inspiring people to sing from the heart with great faith and understanding.

In the same time period, another significant movement affected the hymns of the church: the Methodist movement, led by John Wesley. Wesley and especially his brother Charles used simple rhythms and sing-able melodies to help congregational singing. It has been noted that Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns during his lifetime from 1707-1788, and most of the hymns that he wrote were written to accompany specific sermons by John Wesley to convey a particular theological message. Some of Charles Wesley’s 6,000 hymns are still sung today in churches around the world: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” and “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” and “ Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” and probably his two most famous hymns are “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and “Hark! The Harold Angels Sing.”

Then in the late 19th Century a new style of hymnody known as “gospel” emerged. These songs were usually characterized by a strong lead vocal and exciting harmonies, and were a great influence on later contemporary worship worldwide. Then in twentieth and twenty-first centuries we have seen an explosion of new hymn writers and approaches. Old texts have been refreshed by new tunes. African American spirituals, especially those during the slave era, are now found in hymnals and churches around the world, and lots more contemporary hymns have sprung up. In the non-traditional church movement there has been a move away from the previous style of congregational singing to worship led by one singer or a worship band. Instrumentation has become more popular and musical styles have become much freer. The church today is richer than ever in musical resources and continues to bring congregations together through song.

It is clear, that throughout history—from Old Testament times to Gregorian Chants to Luther’s reformation to the thousands of hymns composed by Charles Wesley to spirituals to gospels and finally to contemporary music—hymns have been an essential building block of and for the church. But the question that we will be exploring is not necessarily about the history of hymns but of what hymns has the church found to be foundational all these years: “What hymns have shaped the church of yesterday for today?”

 

Body:

The phrase “Where words fail, music speaks” is attributed to the 19th-century Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The original version, “When words fail, sounds can often speak,” appeared in his 1840 collection “What the Moon Saw.” The statement “music speaks when words fail” means that music has the power to express complex emotions, connect people across cultures, and evoke feelings in ways that verbal language cannot, acting as a universal form of communication. This idea highlights music’s ability to convey joy, sadness, and other profound sentiments when spoken words are inadequate or impossible. Have any of you ever heard that statement before: “Where words fail, music speaks”? If you really think about it, there is something about music that draws people together, that creates a common ground, and that conveys a sense of understanding. Music is powerful, especially when words are lost.

Music is powerful in several ways. Music as an universal language transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect and share experiences through melody and rhythm, even without understanding lyrics. Music is also a means of establishing an emotional connection: it can stir deep emotions, such as sadness, joy, or contemplation, providing a way for individuals to process and understand feelings they cannot articulate. Musical pieces can trigger vivid memories and create strong associations with specific events or periods of life, adding depth to emotional experiences. Furthermore, music communicates on a more primal, instinctual level, directly addressing the soul and providing a sense of meaning and understanding where logical explanations fail. And for many, music offers a vital channel of communication when words fail. In essence, music serves as a powerful and adaptable medium for human experience, offering a voice to feelings that words alone cannot capture.

Music is powerful. It’s all around us. It’s part of your life. I bet there is not a day that goes by that you don’t listen to some kind of music. The same goes for the church. There is not a Sunday that goes by that we don’t sing or hear hymns. Music is not just part of our life, but it’s part of our faith. So to help us understand this, each week for several weeks, we are going to explore hymns that shaped the church. The sixth hymn we examine is “Mighty Fortress Is Our God”; and the question we ask today is “How mighty is the fortress of God?”

 

Movement One: History of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”…

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” has often been called “the Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” It is a hymn that is usually saved for Reformation Day, but very rarely used outside of this day. For those that are unware of “Reformation Day,” it is a Protestant religious holiday celebrated on October 31. It recognizes the day German monk Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in 1517. The purpose of those Theses was to debate the church’s—The Catholic Church’s—practices and authority over its constituents. The first two Theses—which proclaim Luther’s central ideas—stated that believers should seek repentance through faith, and that true repentance is an inner, life-long process, not a one-time action that can be bought with indulgences. The remaining 93 Theses support Luther’s central ideas by further arguments and examples which directly question again the sale of indulgences, the pope’s power over purgatory, and the idea that salvation could be purchased through these documents.

This bold act by Martin Luther, to stand up against the church of the day, marks the official starting point of the Protestant Reformation. The word “reformation” is typically defined as the “action or process of reforming—changing—an institution or practice.” In the time of Martin Luther, reformation was needed in order to be released from the bonds of the Roman Catholic Church, hence his 95 Theses as mentioned earlier.

As some scholars have noted, “Reformation Day is a tribute to its writer, Martin Luther, as one of his three greatest accomplishments.” They go on to say, “Luther’s greatest accomplishment was the proclamation that we are saved by God’s grace. The second was translating the Bible into the language of the people and the third is his 37 hymns that he wrote, of which “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” would rank as the finest.

Although this hymn is usually a Lutheran favorite, the story behind the hymn is one that is not often told or appreciated by other denominations. Today, we will examine this great hymn, now sung in 170 different languages, by reflecting on the scripture used to inspire the hymn. In this hymn, we will see that no matter how dire the circumstances might be in our eyes, God is greater than our circumstances, and will deliver us from our greatest fears through the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s take a look at the hymn.

When many Christians read the words to this hymn—for example, “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper He, amid the flood of mortals ills prevailing…”—they find the words difficult to relate to, because their experience is not what the early Lutherans experienced. While Luther indeed did take a stand for the truth, it was a stand that was very dangerous at that time. Luther put his very life on the line for what he believed—and so did thousands of others! In the Netherlands alone, 50,000 people died because they took their stand with Martin Luther against the Pope and the Church of their day. It is because of this persecution that Martin Luther penned the words to this hymn. Luther wrote this hymn in order to remind his followers that no matter how bleak the circumstances appeared, they were not to lose hope.

The Biblical text that he used for inspiration to write this hymn is Psalm 46. Luther, being an Old Testament professor, was most likely aware of the history of this Psalm, and chose it because of its history. The story that probably inspired Psalm 46 comes from 2 Chronicles 20. It tells of a miraculous victory of the children of Israel during the days of King Jehoshaphat. The story of this miraculous victory is this: three nomadic tribes, the Moabites, the Ammonites, and the Edomites, joined forces together against Israel. When Israel had come out of Egypt, from their exodus of 40 years under the leadership of Moses, God had forbidden them to wipe out these people when they took possession of the Promised Land. Now this is a bold request from God for the people of Israel who spent 430 years enslaved by Egyptians (Exodus 12:40), who were probably ready to fight anyone and anything to protect what God had given them. But God doesn’t want them to fight. As a matter of fact, he wants them, as Jesus tells Peter, “to put away the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Why? Because the acts of humans can’t match the acts of God. The Israelites, under their own strength, will not win; but, with the mightiness of God, they will win—which is what some of the Jewish people realized as Peter was standing before King Herod. They shouted, “The voice of a god, and not of a mortal” (Acts 12:22), suggesting that Herod was not a god, even though he claimed to be one, but there was a God more powerful than him that would also win.

Now, with the threat of being wiped out by them, the people–led by King Jehoshaphat—turned to the Lord in prayer and asked for help. They knew only a miracle from God could save them. After Jehoshaphat prayed to the Lord, the Lord answered the prayer of Israel through a prophet by the name of Jahaziah, who told Jehoshaphat, “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord…” The next morning, as the people got ready to go out to the battle, King Jehoshaphat made what must go down as one the strangest strategic decisions in military history. Instead of putting the archers or swordsmen in front, he put the choir in front. This surely must have seemed strange to the people as well, but they went along with Jehoshaphat. When they arrived to do battle, the choir began singing, “Praise the Lord! For His mercy endures forever!” That’s when things began to really get strange, because the three armies that came to fight began fighting among themselves! When the dust finally cleared, all three armies laid dead on the ground. Instead of fighting, the Israelites remained still; and instead of chanting war cries, they sang praises to the Lord.

Now, I can’t speak for everyone here, but in a time of devastation and possible defeat, I find it hard to remain still and sing praises to the Lord. I want to fight. I want to chant war cries. I want to put the blame on God sometimes. First Timothy 1:18 reminds us that we are to seek a “good fight in faith” which 2 Chronicles highlights as a call to stand firm in obedience and faith while God fights the battle. Remember, God is our mighty fortress that will fight our battles for us and with us if we just remain still and trust in Him.

Returning to Luther; Luther recognized that he could not win the battle for the truth by himself. He could not win against the Catholic Church until he remained still and sang praises to the Lord. In fact, it was not really his battle; that is why he writes in the last line of the first verse, “On earth is not his equal,” and in verse two, “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.” Luther knew he was in Jehoshaphat’s position—the battle would have to be fought and won by the Lord Himself. Luther was willing to trust God completely to fight the battle against the emperor and the Pope and the “evil foe, Satan.” That is why Luther calls God “a mighty fortress,” who he saw as a “trusty shield and weapon.”

Luther’s hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” was his praiseworthy response to the battle before him. He remained still, trusted God, had faith in Christ, and was led by the power of the Holy Spirit to seek a reformation for the hurting and lost people. The question that is before us now is “How mighty is God’s fortress?” To answer this question, we turn to our scripture passage for the day.

 

Movement Two: How Mighty is God’s Fortress…

Psalm 46 serves as a beacon of hope and assurance in the face of adversity, uncertainty, and chaos. It reminds us that even when the earth gives way, and the mountains crumble into the sea, God remains our mighty fortress—a refuge we can run to for safety. There are three points that come from this text: God’s Unshakable Presence, God’s Unwavering Protection, and God’s Ultimate Power. Presence, Protection, and Power.

First, God’s Unshakable Presence. Let us turn our attention to the first three verses of Psalm 46. As we read these verses, we encounter powerful imagery that captures the essence of God’s unshakable presence. The Psalmist declares, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

In these words, we find the comforting assurance that God is our refuge, our safe haven in times of trouble: He’s in the boat with us as we travel to the other side, as storms come rolling in, and as battles are seen on the horizon. Just as a mighty fortress provides security and protection amidst turmoil, our God is an unwavering fortress for His people: He is strength, He is hope, He is inspiration, and He is love. No matter what is happening on the outside of God’s fortress, God promises to be a very present help in all our troubles, protecting us from the inside out. When commissioning the disciples to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus tells the disciples that “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). God is our mighty fortress that is with us always. And the best part about this fortress is that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone holding everything together.

 To help us understand how unshakable God’s presence is, the Psalmist uses God’s own creation. The imagery of the earth giving way and the mountains collapsing into the sea and the waters roaring and turning to foam symbolizes the chaos and upheaval we may encounter in life. Yet, even in the face of such daunting circumstances, God remains steadfast and unchanging. Throughout history, countless individuals and communities have experienced the reality of God’s steady presence. Consider the faithful ones who have endured persecution, sickness, or loss and yet found strength and refuge in the arms of their heavenly Father. Consider the stories of believers who, amidst the storms of life, discovered a peace that surpasses understanding and a hope that defies all odds. These testimonies are powerful reminders that God’s presence is not merely a concept but a living reality available to each of us.

Even in the chaos of life, God is present. Even in the uncertainty of life, God is present. Even when you find yourself on the battle field of life, God is present. Even in h the deepest part of the sea, God is still present. And not only is God present, but God is still working in your life. I believe God does God’s best work when we aren’t feeling our best. The Psalmist specifically tells us to “not fear” when everything seems to be crumbling because God is still with us, God is still working, God is near.

How mighty is God’s fortress? It is mighty enough to protect us and keep us safe, to help us not to fear, and to be our refuge and strength in a very present help in trouble. God’s presence in our life is the fortress we need to remain unshakable.

Second, God’s Unwavering Protection. Let’s turn our attention to the next set of verses where we encounter imagery of God’s unwavering protection. The Psalmist notes in verses 4-7, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice; the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (Psalm 46:4-7).

In these verses, we witness the portrayal of God’s protection as a river, bringing joy, life, and security to His people. Just as a river sustains and nourishes a city, or as Amos notes rivers are where “justice rolls” and righteousness flows like a “never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24), God’s presence within His chosen people ensures their preservation and strength. Additionally, through Jesus Christ, we are to receive “living water”: “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Furthermore, as God said during creation, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures…” (Genesis 1:20), suggesting that water is needed to sustain life. This imagery also reminds us that God’s protection transcends physical boundaries, reaching deep into the core of our personal lives. If you have ever spilled a container of water, you know that if you don’t clean it up quick enough, it will travel to places you thought unreachable. God is like a pitcher of water: reaching places within ourselves that we thought were unreachable, that we chose to keep hidden from others, and that we deliberately left in the dark. God’s mighty fortress is a river of living water that changes us and makes us whole. And in doing so protects us.

Moving to verses 5-7, it is crucial to understand the historical context of this psalm. The reference to the city of God and the nations in uproar speaks to the experiences of the ancient Israelites. They faced numerous threats and conflicts, probably not thinking that justice and righteousness would never flow like a river, but time and time again, God proved Himself as their protector and deliverer. This psalm likely resonated with the people during times of war, offering them comfort and hope during turmoil. “The nations are in an uproar, the kingdom totters, and the earth melts,” (sound familiar) but God will help when the morning dawns. As the Psalmist notes several chapters before this moment, “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). “For the Lord of hosts is with us” (Psalm 46:7).

Even in our present circumstances, we can witness the unwavering protection of our God. We can testify to His faithfulness in preserving us through challenges, guiding us through difficult decisions, and shielding us from harm. Why? Because the Lord of hosts is with us. As Morris Chapman’s hymn “Be Bold, Be Strong” proclaims, “Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with you. Be bold! Be strong! For the Lord your God is with you. I am not afraid, I am not dismayed, Because I’m walking in faith and victory, Come on and walk in faith and victory, For the Lord, your God is with you.” Be bold and be strong knowing that God is with you and that He is willing to search your heart and lead you in the way of everlasting (Psalm 139:23). God’s mighty fortress is an extension of his unwavering protection in your life. And this protection is with you always, protecting you from the inside out.

Third, God’s Ultimate Power. Let’s turn to the final verses of Psalm 46, verses 8 to 11. As we delve into these verses, we encounter a powerful call to witness the works of God: the Psalmist declares, “Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.’ The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

This call to witness God’s works highlights the awe-inspiring power He has displayed in the past. The Psalmist refers to the desolations God has brought upon the earth, signifying His authority and ability to transform in chaos: God makes wars cease, God breaks the bow, God shatters the spear, and God burns the shields. What God does is not what causes chaos but what removes chaos. The phrase I repeatedly heard during seminary was, “God brings order out of chaos. Or God brings order out of disorder.” For example, God created the universe from an empty state of chaotic matter; God established a structured society for the Israelites after freeing them from a life of chaotic Egyptian enslavement; and during the ministry of Jesus, he brought order to the people’s chaotic lives through healing and spiritual renewal. God is not in the business of creating chaotic lives but rather ordered and faithful lives.

To this many, will respond with a saying that is not found in scripture but is related to scripture: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” This saying comes from 1 Corinthians 10:13 in which Paul is telling the people of Corinth that God is faithful, “he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability…” God doesn’t want us to be tempted more than we are because that is what generates chaos; and God doesn’t want to give us more than we can handle because feeling overwhelmed can lead to feeling as if the chaos won’t end. God is not in the business of creating chaos but rather eliminating chaos; and by His ultimate power He brings order and stillness to any situation.

We often encounter situations that seem impossible—a personal crisis, relational challenges, or overwhelming circumstances. However, even in the face of such trials, we can trust in the ultimate power of our God. He is the one who can make wars cease, who can shatter the weapons of destruction, and who can bring about healing and reconciliation. He is the one who possesses the unmatched ability to bring peace, stillness, and restoration to the chaos within us. As the Psalmist quotes God, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In our stillness—separation from our busy lives, from the chaos of every day, from the continual destruction around us, from the voices inside of us, from the battles that seem to linger, from the hurt that controls us, from the sorrow that falls like tears—we are called to know God. To know God means to have a living, personal, and experiential relationship with Him: it means to trust in Him with all your heart and to not rely on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5), it means to love him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), it means to love him at all times (Proverbs 17:17), and it means to know that He has called you by name (Isaiah 43:2). In our stillness, we remember that we know God because God knows us.

I personally think the prophet Isaiah does an excellent job with explaining the ultimate power of God found in our stillness. Isaiah wrote during a time of restoration and protection for God’s chosen people, “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3a).

God’s ultimate power is His mighty fortress; and this fortress brings you stillness when everything is chaotic. God’s mighty fortress is what allows you to have a relationship with Him and to know that nothing will stand in the way of God getting to you. Even when everything is falling apart around you, God is still working in your life, for the Lord your God is with you.

 

Movement Three: For the Lord Your God is With You…

So what does all this mean? Why is it important to consider how mighty God’s fortress is in our life? From our scripture passage today, God’s fortress is His unshakable presence in our life, it’s His unwavering protection, and it’s His ultimate power. His presence is what helps us in every trouble. His protection works within us as it overcomes that which the world throws at us. And His power is what brings us stillness in chaotic situations. However, there is more to this: actually, there are two ideas in each of the three points offered to you today.

First, in each section we are reminded that God is with us. What does this mean? It means that we aren’t alone. It means that we have someone in our corner. It means that no matter what we are going through—pain, sorrow, grief, anger, doubt, or joy, happiness, and excitement—that God understands what we are feeling. Not only does He understand, but through His son, Jesus Christ, He feels what we feel, He hears our cries, and He understands what is going on inside of us. When was the last time you simply reminded yourself that God is with you? Just moments before John Wesley passed, he uttered these words, “The best of all is, God is with us.” God is with you today.

Second, in each section we repeatedly heard the word refuge. Refuge is often defined as “a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.” Biblically, refuge means “finding safety, protection, and comfort in God’s presence during times of danger or distress. It is not a physical place, but rather an inner sanctuary where one can find strength, peace, stillness, and rest.” To take refuge in God means to trust in God’s care and to find security in His eternal, steadfast love. Ironically, the word refuge in our text today can also be replaced with the word fortress. God’s fortress is our refuge: God’s fortress is our shelter in a time of storm, God’s fortress is what protects us, God’s fortress is what shields us, God’s fortress is what gives us peace and rest, God’s fortress is His works in our life, God’s fortress is His grace, salvation, and mercy, and most importantly, God’s fortress is His steadfast love. God’s fortress is not a place. Instead, His fortress is what lives inside of us each and every day. It’s His presence, His protection, and it’s His power.

As disciples, we are challenged to live out our life knowing that God’s mighty fortress lives within us. As a church, we are called to be a fortress for others—a place of refuge—where people discover their faith, deepen their faith, and deploy their faith as they come to know God and love Christ. But what do you need to do to remind yourself that God’s mighty fortress lives within you? What do we need to do as a church to let others know that God’s mighty fortress exists within our sanctuary? What can we do to show that God is with us?[3]

 

Conclusion:

In closing, Luther’s hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” was his praiseworthy response to the battle before him: the battle of reforming the church of yesterday for today—the same thing John Wesley sought to do with the people called Methodists. Luther remained still, trusted God, had faith in Christ, and was led by the power of the Holy Spirit to seek a reformation for the hurting and lost people. He allowed God’s love to be a fortress for himself and through this love he was reminded that he wasn’t alone.

Today, you may be struggling with a battle that needs reformation. You may feel lost and alone. Maybe you don’t feel loved. Or maybe you haven’t found refuge yet. If you feel this way, please remember that God’s mighty fortress is available to you: He wants to help you; He loves you; and He is always with you. God’s mighty fortress is our invite to remain still, give praise, and know that sometimes change is needed to move past what is fighting against us. In the words of a famous children’s song, “My God is so big!  So strong and so mighty.
There’s nothing my God cannot do.” How mighty is God’s fortress? It’s mighty enough to remind us that there is nothing He cannot do as he changes us and loves us. God’s might fortress is what starts a reformation within us. Let it be so…

 

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, we are thankful for your mighty fortress: for your presence, protection, and power. We are grateful for your steadfast love and for your willingness to always help us. In your great and peaceful name we pray, Amen.

 

Benediction:

You are blessed in mighty ways because God is always with you! This week, remind yourself that there is nothing God cannot do, and that God will always do what He can to be a mighty fortress for you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; and May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, go forth knowing that God is with you. And all God’s people said, Amen. Amen. Amen.

 

[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4vMxs6kctQgkwkvgQbJTXDk/a-brief-history-of-hymns

[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4vMxs6kctQgkwkvgQbJTXDk/a-brief-history-of-hymns

[3] To this question, I invite you to hear these lyrics from the hymn “They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love” from The Faith We Sing: “We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord… We will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand… We will work with each other, we will work side by side…They’ll know we are Christians by our love…” God’s mighty fortress is His love and His love is what compels us to be with others as they find a refuge in Jesus Christ.