For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. (5) Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.

Isaiah 25:4-5

Explanation:
Another reason for his praise can be found here in verses 4 and 5. He praises God for his works toward the poor, and to the needy in distress. God offers protection to these people. You see this protection described through three words:
Strength. God is a “strength” to the poor and needy in distress. God is a strength to the poor and needy as they deal with their distress and poverty.
Refuge. The word describes a shelter and a safety in the midst of difficulty. In this context the refuge is for the storm. Have you ever been out in the elements during the pounding rain, howling wind, and dangerous lightning? Your fears were calmed and your circumstance changed when you were able to get inside. This is the picture of God for those in the storm.
Shadow. For the person in the middle of the desert wilderness, the sun is an extreme and dangerous problem. God is described here as a shadow of relief and comfort from the heat of the enemies of God’s people.
There is an eschatological (end times) element in this context. God has protected His people through end-times difficulty and gotten them to the other side. God has been faithful and gracious to His people. They see it. They recognize it. It causes them to worship and praise God for his gracious protection to them.

Application:
This certainly has a Jewish context, but those who know Christ as Savior can know the gracious protection of the God of the universe. Though we have enemies because of our allegiance to God, God is a God who provides and protects His own. No matter how difficult things get on this earth, God will be a refuge in the storm, a shadow in the heat, and our strength in poverty and distress of all kinds.

Consider the words of the hymn, O God, Our Help in Ages Past

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home:

Beneath the shadow of thy throne,
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting thou art God,
To endless years the same.

A thousand ages in thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guide while troubles last,
And our eternal home!

Response:

• Where do you find your strength and refuge? Is it in God or something else?
• Have you praised God for his protection?