Psalm 46: “Protective Presence”

​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. Selah
 
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. Selah
 
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. Selah
 
Meditation
God’s covenant promises include His enduring presence with His people, fueling courage for believers during chaotic times. God promises, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). God’s people must trust God’s protective presence.
 
Martin Luther used this Psalm as a launching point for his hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” a powerful interpretation of the truth anchoring this Psalm- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble(1).

Five times in eleven verses the powerful presence of God is celebrated (1, 4, 5, 7, 11) while His sovereign authority is elevated above all creation (1-3), all enemies (4-7), and a violent world (8-11).  The earth and mountains will “move” (2) but God is in the midst of His people and He “shall not be moved. God will help…” (5). 
 
God’s people must not fear (2) because God promises He is near, His presence enduring in every circumstance. Christians know this promise is true because our Savior was left in solitude on the cross, crying out from feeling forsaken. Bearing our sin, Jesus was abandoned so all He represents can be confident of God’s covenant presence.
 
God is using chaos and catastrophe for His goal of making His name great among the nations! And He makes an invitation- come and see the works of the Lord (8). Refuge and relief are found when we remove our focus from the storm and look to God alone as our fortress, seeing Him and His works, being still and knowing He is God.  
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you from today’s reading, especially the celebration of God’s enduring presence?
 
-What does it look like for you to “be still” and “see” the works of the Lord, knowing He is God? Take a minute to Stop. Be still. See God and His works as He makes His name great among the nations!
 
-How does the redemptive work of Jesus ensure God’s enduring presence, fueling your Christian courage? Where (specifically) do you need to apply this reality?
 
Key Verse
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear …”