Psalm Sunday: Psalm 46

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1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

This is one of my favorite Psalms. I remember one time trying to envision what it would be like verses 2-3 might be like — perhaps an earthquake, literally seeing mountains fall into the sea. Even then God is a refuge for us, God is with us, God will help us. And since He is with us, helping us, being a refuge for us even in a terror-filled situation like that, can’t we trust Him for whatever it is we’re going through?

Even when the heathen rage (v.6) we’re don’t need to be troubled: ultimately He will be exalted among the heathen (v. 10).

The NASB translates the “Be still” of verse 10 as “cease striving.” That so struck me: part of my problem in any trial is that striving in spirit with the fact that I don’t want this to happen, I don’t want to deal with it, I can’t see any good reason God would allow it, what am I going to do about it, how will I cope, what about all the repercussions and possibilities….just cease striving! Rest. Know that He is God. He has everything under control. He knows what He is doing. He is our very present help and our refuge.

For more meditations or to add your own, see our Psalm Sunday hostess, Erica at Butterfly Kisses.

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