1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The True Meaning of Psalms 46
The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel. The author of this particular psalm expresses unwavering faith in God’s protection and power, even in the face of great upheaval and turmoil.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty and the security that believers can find in Him, no matter the circumstances. As we delve into the text, we will witness the author’s unshakable trust in the Lord, even as he confronts the threat of natural disasters and the chaos of war. This passage also foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom, a theme that echoes throughout the Scriptures.
The author’s words resonate with the experiences of the Israelites, who faced constant threats from neighboring kingdoms. Yet, the message of this psalm transcends time and space, offering comfort and reassurance to all who seek refuge in the Almighty. May this chapter inspire us to deepen our own relationship with the God who is our “very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
Psalms 46:1-3
The verse in Psalms 46:1-3 is divided into three sections that convey a powerful message. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
This opening line emphasizes the unwavering nature of God as a source of protection and strength for His people. The term “refuge” portrays God as a place of safety and shelter in times of distress, a theme reiterated throughout the Bible. The psalmist calls upon the reliability of God’s presence and aid in times of trouble or uncertainty. This reassures believers that regardless of the difficulties they face, they can find solace and strength in God. This sentiment echoes in verses like Psalm 18:2, where it also speaks of God as a refuge and fortress during times of trouble.
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“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
This section underlines the faith and confidence that believers should have in God’s protection, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The imagery used here is vivid and dramatic, depicting catastrophic events like the earth giving way and mountains crumbling into the sea. Despite these extreme scenarios, the psalmist asserts that there is no room for fear when one’s trust is in God. This echoes the idea presented in Isaiah 41:10, where God encourages His people not to fear for He is with them. -
**”There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. The focus shifts to a serene image of a river that brings joy to the city of God in this final section. The river symbolizes blessings and abundance, flowing from God Himself, who is the source of all goodness and life. The “city of God” refers to Jerusalem, a recurring symbol of God’s presence and chosen place of worship throughout the Bible. The imagery of a river providing life and joy to the city reflects the spiritual nourishment and blessings that God bestows upon His people. This imagery is reminiscent of Ezekiel 47:1-12, where Ezekiel describes a vision of water flowing from the temple, bringing life and healing to the land. Psalms 46:1-3 beautifully encapsulates the enduring themes of God’s protection, the importance of trust and faith in Him, and the abundant blessings He bestows upon His people. It serves as a reminder that amid life’s trials and uncertainties, believers can find strength, peace, and joy in God, who is a constant and unwavering presence in their lives.
Psalms 46:4-7
Several key sections in Psalms 46:4-7 offer profound insights and encouragement to believers.
Starting with verse 4, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. The mention of a river in this section signifies the presence of God’s life-giving and refreshing spirit. The imagery of a river evokes ideas of sustenance, renewal, and vitality. This river symbolizes the deep spiritual nourishment and joy that believers can experience in the presence of God. The metaphorical river flowing through the city of God can be seen as representing the continuous provision and grace of God for His people. This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking and dwelling in God’s presence, where true happiness and fulfillment can be found.
Moving on to verse 5, “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” Here, the focus is on the assurance and protection that God provides to His people. “God is within her” emphasizes the intimate relationship believers have with God, who dwells among them. This verse conveys a sense of security and stability that comes from trusting in God. It speaks to the unwavering support and assistance that God offers, especially during moments of adversity and challenges. The mention of “at break of day” suggests that God’s help is timely and constant, always present to aid His people in times of need. This verse serves as a comforting reminder of God’s unfailing presence and protection in the lives of His faithful followers. He lifts his voice, the earth melts in verses 6 and 7, “Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” These verses highlight the power and sovereignty of God over the nations and the world. Despite the chaos and turmoil that may surround us, God remains in control, and His voice has the authority to bring about profound changes. The mention of “the God of Jacob” references the patriarch whose life was marked by struggles, yet he experienced God’s faithfulness and protection throughout his journey. Jacob’s transformation into Israel signifies God’s ability to bring about change and victory in the midst of challenges. This verse emphasizes the idea that God is a stronghold and refuge for His people, a fortress that provides safety and security in times of trouble. It reminds believers that they can find strength and courage in knowing that the Lord Almighty is on their side. These verses in Psalms 46 echo the theme of God’s unwavering presence, protection, and power. The psalmist’s words serve as a source of encouragement and hope for believers, urging them to trust in God’s provision and seek refuge in His might. The imagery of the river, the assurance of God’s help, and the declaration of God’s sovereignty all contribute to the timeless message of faith and confidence in the Almighty. It is a call to reflect on God’s goodness, to find solace in His promises, and to rest in the assurance that He is with us in every circumstance.
Psalms 46:8-11
Psalms 46:8-11 reads: “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. The psalmist in the first section calls upon the congregation to witness the mighty works of the Lord, particularly focusing on how He brings desolation upon the earth and puts an end to wars. This serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and power over all things, even in times of chaos and destruction. The image of God breaking the bow, shattering the spear, and burning the chariots with fire symbolizes His ability to bring peace and put an end to conflict. This imagery is reminiscent of other verses in the Bible that speak of God’s intervention in times of war and His promise of peace, such as Isaiah 2:4 which says, “He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”
The following section contains a powerful message that transcends time and speaks directly to the human heart: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! This call to be still and acknowledge the greatness of God in a world filled with noise, distractions, and turmoil is a reminder of the importance of finding peace and solace in His presence. It is a call to trust in God’s ultimate rule and sovereignty over all nations and all the earth. This verse echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.”
The final section of the verse emphasizes the comforting and reassuring presence of the Lord with His people. The psalmist highlights God’s role as a protector and fortress for His chosen people by referring to God as the “Lord of hosts” and the “God of Jacob.” The reference to Jacob is significant because Jacob, later known as Israel, was a foundational figure in the history of Israel, embodying the struggles, triumphs, and faith of the nation. The mention of God being the fortress of Jacob serves as a reminder that God is a stronghold for His people in times of trouble and uncertainty. This sentiment is reiterated in Psalm 91:2, “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalms 46:8-11 is a powerful reflection on God’s sovereignty, His ability to bring peace and stillness in the midst of chaos, and His role as a protector and fortress for His people. The verse resonates with the timeless message of trusting in God’s power, finding peace in His presence, and seeking refuge in Him during life’s trials and tribulations.
After Psalms 46
The people had weathered the storm, their faith in the Lord unwavering. Yet, as the chapter drew to a close, a new challenge loomed on the horizon. The reverend knew that the true test of their devotion would come in the days ahead, as they navigated the uncharted waters of the future. With a heavy heart, he prepared to guide his flock through the next chapter, praying that their trust in the Almighty would remain steadfast in the face of whatever trials lay in store.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.