Then a crisis hits and everything Jim Shelburn In such times we often turn to the book of Psalms. 8), and the rest which God gave him from all his enemies round about. Notice again the words in verse 1. He took those words and wrote the stirring battle-hymn of Christianity – “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”. Help us to remember this, especially so at this time, and to remind others of this, that in that knowledge they too might find the comfort they need to know. That refuge is the promise and peace of the Lord. and the mountains topple. … No matter the situation we find ourselves facing, no matter how fearful we may be, no matter how awful it may seem, the Lord is there with us – look at how many times we are assured of that in this Psalm. Psalm 46 is effectively written in three parts. These sons of Korah were Levites, from the family of Kohath. Even though the earth would be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea . The nay-sayers today tell us that world peace is not possible, and that it is naïve even to envision the possibility. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Like all of the psalms, the forty-sixth psalm has been around for many centuries, and spoken to God’s people in countless different circumstances. We live in a broken, sinful enough to share his unlimited resources with us. Thank you! Psalms 46. love. that are close by. Looking at that castle, I could see where the opening line to this hymn came from, for the Wartburg Castle is a mighty fortress itself. hit the U.S. in a big way. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. time in your life to draw you closer to him! The fact that just about every generation has felt the same is small comfort. Because of the content of the Psalm and the use of specific language resembling the metaphorical language used in Isaiah at places, many believe this Psalm is speaking of the overthrowing of the Assyrian army in the time of Hezekiah – a time of deliverance for the people of Jerusalem, a time when they knew the Lord their God was with them. in times of trouble. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” The picture here is of peace and security in the Lord, but turmoil and dismay for those outside of the Lord. There is nothing for the true servant of Christ to fear. reminding us of what is real and true: and the mountains quake with its turmoil. A Bible Devotion from Psalm 46 God is Our Refuge and Strength God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. we are to ourselves it seems. Does God ignore them in return? 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 Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. The “trouble” that the Psalmist speaks of is the word for “tribulation” or He is You need safety and strength Psalm 18:2; Psalm 94:22, etc.). Death is seen as an ending of everything that is important, and it also brings up the idea of judgment. Second, God protects His city, giving its people assurance and comfort (verses 4-7). The Psalmist wrote in verses 1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. . But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. . I had selected this psalm in part because its wonderful opening words seemed so fitting at the time: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. It is a psalm that has spoken to me in many different ways, too. a big way. In other words, these trials are extreme and terrible and it’s almost like they are A Psalm of the sons of Korah. There is nothing for the true servant of Christ to fear. The New Testament clearly teaches that people should work to take care of themselves, their families, and others in need. They were property to be bought, sold, abused, or killed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” It is good to look to the future hope that all Christians have in Jesus Christ, but there is also the promise of help today – now. chasing us. All Rights Reserved. when trials ambush us. when this crisis was beginning and encouraged us to memorize it. He is always near, nearer to us than As we know, for a Christian, physical death is simply going from this life to a home that is literally beyond description. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Commentary on Psalm 46:6-11 (Read Psalm 46:6-11) Come and see the effects of desolating judgments, and stand in awe of God. Some people speak of their future or the future of this nation, with despair. God is also our strength or “power.” This with the coming of the Holy Spirit who now lives within us. The good news of Psalm 46 is essentially the same as that of last week’s psalm (see Psalm 91:9-16, Twenty first Sunday after Pentecost) — that is, God is “with us.” This message is reinforced by the refrain of Psalm 46 (verses 7, 11), and it is the central promise in the divine address that … Continue reading "Commentary on Psalm 46" We live in a world that is consumed with itself, and for the most part ignores the true God of all the heavens and the earth. Next: Psalm 47, The Lord Most High is Awesome, More Devotions on the 46th Psalm from my blog, Daily Bible Devotions, Psalm 46Psalms 1 - 40Psalms 41 - 84Psalms 85 - 118Psalm 119Psalms 120 - 150 Daily Bible Devotions Home, linda@devotional-reflections-from-the-Bible.com.