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"A Mighty Fortress" by Jonathan Abel: Hold Fast, God Is on Our Side


Where do you run when life feels overwhelming?

Some days the headlines read like a bad novel. Where do you turn when the news is heavy, and your own strength runs thin?

Jonathan Abel - A Mighty FortressJonathan Abel placed the lyrics of “A Mighty Fortress” into an entirely new setting with a melody that really sings to answer that question. His hope is simple: that you and I will remember who wins in the end. The song rests on Psalm 46.

The lyrics never pretend trouble away. They name an “ancient foe” with “craft and power” and “cruel hate.” It also tells the truth about us: “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.” God never asked us to win this fight alone. The prince of darkness may rage, yet “his doom is sure.”

So who stands beside you? “Christ Jesus, it is he,” the song answers, “from age to age the same.”

Psalm 46:1 summarizes the core message of the song in one line: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Note the word “present”. Not distant. Not late. Your Monday deadline, your doctor’s appointment, your tense family dinner: He is already standing in each one.

Try this today. Name one of your biggest worries out loud and hand it over to God. Then take the song at its word: “We will not fear for God has willed His truth to triumph through us.” Stop rehearsing your fears and start rehearsing the victory.

Listen to “A Mighty Fortress” during your commute or while you do your chores, and let its message carry the promise deeper. Hold fast to the faith. God is on our side. “His kingdom is forever”

(Related scripture: Psalm 46:1; Psalm 46:7; Romans 8:31)

Background:

If you read the back of the book, you'll find that though the world around us seems to be ruled by darkness, Jesus Christ is the one who wins in the end. This powerful lyric is a reflection of Psalm 46, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." It has been an anchor for the Protestant movement and an accurate depiction of the spiritual battle that is taking place in the church age. I've placed this lyric into an entirely new setting with a melody that really sings. I hope with this song many fellow believers are reminded again of who wins in the end. Hold fast to the faith. God is on our side.

Release date: October 30, 2026

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