Originally published by The Round Farmhouse Ministries on January 5, 2026.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1, ESV)
I love Scripture. It blows my mind that I can read words that God spoke. I’m humbled when He uses verses that I’ve read for years in new ways. Scripture impacts us more than we know, like when a Bible verse pops into my head. That’s because we read it in the first place.
Reading Scripture reminds me of running. Just as I need to be in Scripture regularly, I need to run regularly so my body changes and can handle new incline and distance challenges. My blood flows, my muscles work, and my heart pumps. It’s a chance to explore new routes, new passages, and new ideas.
This came to mind recently as I looked for new running routes. I drove past a series of roads on my way to work for a year, but I never turned onto them. They existed as part of my routine, but I moved by them too quickly to notice anything about them. One morning I decided to take my run down these roads, and much to my delight these roads were all connected at their opposite ends. I discovered a running route with good terrain and options for distances. This route was brand new but had been right in front of my face for a year.
In the same way, God uses verses we’re familiar with to speak to us in new ways. Whether we need correction (2 Timothy 3:16), hope (Romans 15:4), or examination of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12), the truth of Scripture endures to guide us as we need.
Psalm 46:1 comes to mind: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This verse is not new to me by any means, but I always focused on the words “refuge” and “strength”. On a particular day I needed to see the words “very present” as a reminder that God is with me, not just hanging around but being active.
And because He is very present, He knows my needs.
Because He is very present, He knows my desires.
Because He is very present, He knows my fears.
Because He is very present, He knows my hurts.
I’m thankful God showed me something new in a familiar verse that day. I needed to know that characteristic of His goodness in my current struggles. Even though I didn’t admit all my concerns with Him, He still saw into my heart and opened my eyes to see His words of comfort. What a good, good God we serve!
