Psalm 46
To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (ESV)
The Big Idea:
Because God is with His people, we need not fear when the world trembles.
Martin Luther loved this Psalm so much that it inspired his hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” But long before Luther, this Psalm shaped the faith of Israel, and it should shape ours as well.
1. God’s Presence in Trouble (vv. 1–3)
1.1 God is our refuge.
1.2 God is our strength.
1.3 God is a very present help in trouble.
Main truth of Point 1:
Even in the most frightening and chaotic circumstances, God is a secure refuge for His people.
2. God’s Presence with His City (vv. 4–7)
2.1 The life-giving river of God’s presence (v. 4)
2.2 God’s indwelling presence guarantees stability (v. 5)
2.3 God’s voice overpowers raging nations (v. 6)
2.4 The covenant refrain of confidence (v. 7)
3. God’s Sovereign Rule Over the Nations (vv. 8–9)
3.1 God’s judgment on human pride
3.2 God brings true peace
4. A Call to Faithful Stillness (v. 10)
4.1 “Be still” – not frantic, but faithful
4.2 “Know that I am God” – faith grounded in truth
4.3 God will be exalted – the ultimate hope
Conclusion:
From Promise to Presence to Peace