By RACHEL Larson

read a scripture recently that’ s on my“ frequently read” list. But this time, a different invitation was presented to me. Here’ s the verse:

“ I will say of the Lord,“ He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’”( Psalm 91:2, NIV).

David gives God two different names here, and I had always lumped them together as the same. His first description is a“ refuge.” This is a quick place you can retreat to for shelter. The second is a“ fortress,” which is a place built intentionally for exceptional security. The Hebrew word for fortress is metzuda, which also translates to“ stronghold” or“ fortified place.” The difference between these descriptions was so clear to me that our Heavenly Father is both the place we can go for a quick retreat and a place of inaccessible protection. A place we can turn for quick relief from a storm, but also a place where the storms of this life can’ t even be heard through the walls. And David proclaimed that he trusted God in both places in his life.

Now I can’ t unsee the difference

between these two names. God is continuously showing me that He is everything I need, when I need it.

My son started singing a song the other day that he’ d heard in kids’ church. It’ s super catchy, and beware, it can get stuck in your head real quick! It’ s called“ Fear Get Out of Here” by Orange Kids Music. The lyrics go like this:

“ I get scared sometimes, so I cover my eyes,

But that’ s so silly,‘ cause God is always with me.

So I stand up tall, remember He is strong

I won’ t be afraid,‘ cause God is always with me!

Fear! Get out of here! Fear! Get out of here now.

Fear! get out of here, get out of here for good!”

This song is so simple, and yet I find myself forgetting that God has given me permission to tell fear to get out of my life. Yes, we all get scared sometimes, but God wants to show us that we don’ t have to live in fear. And this truth is what

hit me when rereading Psalm 91:2. How often am I letting fear have a seat at my table? Worrying about things, stressing about stuff every day. And that’ s so silly( to quote the song)! God has never once let me down. This world has, and the devil certainly has caused destruction and pain in my life. But God has always been a refuge and a fortress for me to turn to.

When reading God’ s Word, I’ m challenging myself to look for God and His character in the verses. I insert myself too quickly, and then I miss deeper meanings, like Psalm 91:2 was trying to show me. God is, and always will be, everything I need at precisely the time I need it.

I want to go into 2026 with confidence in God as both my refuge and my fortress … declaring that God is the One I trust! And I’ m gonna tell fear to get out of here! CMA

Ben and Rachel Larson serve CMA as National Evangelist

Youth Movement.

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