Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Jase Jones, a former member of UBC and a minister, used to tell about attending a concert at which an old and very feeble Pablo Cassals, a world famous cellist performed. When it came time for him to perform, two men helped him up from his seat, helped him climb the few steps to the stage, sat him down, and handed him his cello. Cassal's began to play with the vigor and vitality of a young man. His exceptional artistry gave him the strength he needed.

You remember that Spider Man got his strength from the bite of a magic spider.

A few years ago I read about a mother whose son was trapped underneath their Cadillac. She rushed out of the house, grabbed the front bumper, and raised the front end just enough for her son to crawl out from under the car. Her strength came from the rush of hormones released by her care and fear for her son.

Few of us can get strength from our artistry as did Cassals.

None of us have been bitten by Spider Man's spider.

Maybe some of us have had the momentary strength of the mother who lifted the car.

But all of us, like the psalmist, can call upon the strength of God in time of trouble.