Psalm 45 was written at a time of internal crises and recurring enemy invasion of Israel. Yet it was not a totally chaotic period because the invisible, tender and powerful hand of the Lord is guiding them. That is why in dire situations, the psalmist is able to affirm God's closeness and assure those who believe in God not to be shaken. For "God is our refuge and strength, a helper close at hand, in time of distress". In battle-like terms, the Lord of hosts is with us as "our stronghold". With tenderness, God brings joy, like the waters of a river to the city, and powerfully assures believers that He is within, hence "not to fear though the earth tremble, or mountains fall into the depths of the sea".

As believers, we are increasingly confronted with apathetic, drastic and unimaginable life situations. These crises cause multi-level traumas for us, whether spiritual, emotional, psychological, or physical. Can we hear Jesus asking, "Do you want to be well again?" (Jn 5:7)

What do we do in the face of injustice, racism, religious bigotry, and with recurring crises? How do we overcome the challenges and cope with the stress? One way is to meditate on Psalm 45. When we recall the good deeds of the Lord at the critical moments of our lives, it helps us to live courageously with faith and hope.