Psalm 46 is a song of confidence when everything else is falling apart. It pictures mountains crashing into the sea, nations in uproar and kingdoms tottering. Many believe it celebrates the time God delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrian army in King Hezekiah’s day. Martin Luther loved this psalm so much that he based his hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God on it. In our own day of shaking news, rising prices and uncertain futures, this psalm shows us where to stand.
A Refuge That Holds
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1-3). A refuge is a place to hide. Strength is power to keep going. A present help means God is not far off, waiting for us to reach Him. He is right here, ready. Because of this, the writer says we will not fear, even if the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the sea. That was the worst disaster ancient people could imagine. Proverbs says the name of the Lord is a strong tower, and the righteous run into it and are safe (Proverbs 18:10). Our world may shake, but we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved (Hebrews 12:28). Fear says everything is falling. Faith answers that our God is not.
What news or situation has been shaking you lately, and how will you run to God as your refuge before you check the headlines each day this week?
The River and the Presence
In contrast to the roaring sea, there is a quiet river whose streams make glad the city of God (Psalm 46:4-7). Jerusalem had no great river, yet the psalm says it does. The river is God’s own presence and life flowing to His people. God is in the midst of the city, and it will not be moved. He helps her right early, at the break of dawn. The Bible ends with the same picture: a pure river of the water of life flowing from God’s throne (Revelation 22:1). The repeated line is the heart of the psalm: the LORD of hosts is with us. The Lord of heaven’s armies is our God. Jesus came as Immanuel, which means God with us (Matthew 1:23). We are never without His presence, even when the nations rage.
How will you remind your household this week that the Lord of hosts is with you, perhaps by praying together at the start of one busy morning?
Stop Striving
The psalm invites us to come and see what the Lord has done (Psalm 46:8-11). He makes wars cease, breaks the bow and burns the chariots. Then God speaks directly: Be still, and know that I am God. This is first of all a command to stop striving, to drop our weapons and our panic, and to recognize who is really in control. At the Red Sea, Moses told the frightened Israelites to stand still and see the Lord’s salvation, because the Lord would fight for them (Exodus 14:13-14). God also promises that He will be exalted among the nations. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Our stillness is not laziness. It is a confession of His greatness and a quiet act of trust.
What are you striving to control right now, and what is one practical way you will let it go into God’s hands this week?
Conclusion
Psalm 46 tells us the truth about our shaking world. God is our refuge and a present help. His presence flows like a river among His people, and the Lord of hosts is with us. Because He rules over the nations, we can be still and know that He is God. Jesus, our Immanuel, has come to dwell with us, and He will return to bring perfect peace. Stand on Him, and you will not be moved.
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