(Note: All scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise indicated.)

This “Battle hymn of the Reformation” has a basis on Psalm 46:1. God is our shield and our defender. He is our refuge and our help. Since this is true, all the schemes and plots of our enemy the devil are doomed to fail. This is the theme of Luther’s hymn. The driving melody and rousing words bring this song out from the quiet corner and into the front lines marching fearless and confident into whatever battle we face knowing God is our fortress. I want to look at verse three especially.

And though this world, with devils filled,

Should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath 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.

This stanza is filled with the truth of scripture. The first stanza of the hymn refers to our “ancient foe” who “seeks to work us woe.” It is echoed here with “this world with devils filled,” When Satan rebelled against God he took angels with him. Now Satan and his demons are at work in this world and have been since the Garden of Eden. And he’s not done. He was not content with just his own rebellion and that of angels. Satan would destroy us. In fact, he looks for the opportunity. The Bible tells us in 1Peter 5:8 that “…Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” He wants you. He wants me. Yet, this never was God’s plan for us.

The next line reminds us that we will not fear. I know that sounds easy to say but harder to do. If we watch the news or walk in someone else’s shoes for a while there may be much to fear. But I want to remind you, Christian friend, that, God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) The word timidity can also mean fear. Discipline is self-control. He has given us boldness and self-control, not fear and trembling, and running here and there. When we have the spirit of God dwelling in us, we have nothing to fear. We can stand firm. He is our refuge, our very present help in trouble. Why is it that we will not fear? Because God’s truth will triumph! How wonderful it is to note that God wins. His truth wins. We don’t need to worry. There is an answer. God has a plan. Jesus tells us in John 8:31-32: “…If you continue in My word, then you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  He also says, John 14:6 , “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Luther writes that “for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.” Freedom from the attacks of the evil one, and triumph, victory, is found through Jesus. When we surrender to Jesus, when we obey Him, when we make His desires our own, God’s truth triumphs. When we learn to love like Jesus did. When we forgive like Jesus did. When we tell others the truth of God’s love, God’s truth triumphs.

We know the battle we are in, and we know who the enemy is. God has given us many weapons for our defense. (see Ephesians 6) Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10: 4-5, “for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ…” Because we know our battle, we can endure what the enemy throws our way.

 We do not have to be afraid of the days to come. God is our very present help in times of trouble. He is our refuge and strength. He is with us. We only need run to Him. We can sing this song as a battle hymn of faith in the darkness. It brings us encouragement and assurance when things don’t make sense. I want to leave you with one last bit of hope. Satan is on a very short timetable. Revelation gives us the truth. Revelation 12:12, “For this reason, rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.” He only has a little while. Did you see that? His time is short. He is very angry, it is true, but the scripture reminds us that his anger stems from the fact that his time is short, while believers have eternity. Believer, cling to that hope today, rejoice and be glad. If you aren’t a believer yet, take today to make Jesus your Savior. You will find in him a friend, a help and a strength. Don’t delay. He is a Mighty Fortress.

Angela