Psalms 46:1-11
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the 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 refuge.
Selah
This song exalts God for being a sure and certain refuge for His people and a conqueror of the nations set against Him and them. We can heed these words to be still and know that He is God of both our protective hiding place like an impenetrable fort, as well as being the conquering Sovereign who will bring peace through the work of His mighty hand. He certainly is our help in trouble, always nearby and ready to watch over His people called by His name to deliver us now or glorify Himself through our suffering for His name’s sake. Because we know these absolute facts, we do not have to fear, for we have a more certain hope that never fades away. Even if the earth is shaken and falls before us or the waves crash over us (Psalm 93:3-4), we hold fast to this foundation of faith and hope in His love for us through His word. Stop and reflect on that. Then understand that there is a City of God to come where we will find a river through it which brings gladness, and a temple in the midst where we will see God face to face at last (Revelation 22:1-2, 3-4). Until then, the nations rage (Psalm 2:1-2) against the sovereign rule of their God whom they reject, but they will come to nothing in the end at the final judgment alluded to here. The earth itself will be melted with the fire of His wrath (2 Peter 3:10, 12) as He conquers sin and death forever. God is with we His people, and these things bring us awe of His majesty and power, but not fear of eternal punishment (1 John 4:18). Let the nations rage now; that will come to and end along with their rebellion against the King of kings and Lord of lords. We sit soundly in the refuge of our Lord. Dwell on that and meditate on God’s grace to us. Consider also why the gospel must be borne witness to by us towards others until that terrible day (2 Corinthians 5:11). Point others to see the marvelous works of the LORD, who defeats evil and who will bring battles to an end at last. Then sit in reflection to consider that He is God. He will be exalted before all the nations throughout history, in the entire earth before all people; every knee will bow to His rule as Sovereign over them (Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11, Philippians 2:10). We have peace and joy in being still and ceasing worry to know this, but the judgment to come on the world, not believing and receiving the Messiah (John 1:12, 6:29) will have only unending punishment in that submission in the end. As for we the people of God, He is our refuge and very present help in time of need by grace (Hebrews 4:16). He is a Refuge to those trusting and receiving Christ, but a conqueror to defeat those rejecting Him. Amen!
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