Day 608: Our shelter in life's storms - Psalm 46

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.

1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4-5 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6-7 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8-9 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. 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 Psalm 46 (Revised Standard Version)

Do you ever fear what the future holds? Do political upheavals and looming threats of war make you uneasy? I remember how some 40 years ago my wife and I wondered whether we should have children in such an uncertain world. But in vs 1-3 the Psalm writer expressed great confidence as he thought of the storms that life can bring, and says that God's people mustn't let fear get the better of them. What does he say about God that gave him such hope?

Even though we can't see God, He is always there! He is the ever-present one who is with us in every situation. We need to believe and hold on to that truth when things get rough. Then, in vs 4-7, he pictures Jerusalem among the surrounding nations, many of which had grown very powerful. Just as the stream that was in the city would provide for them during a siege, so God is a greater stream of comfort in times of trial. Jesus spoke of the encouraging and comforting work the Holy Spirit does in our lives as being like ‘streams of living water.’ (John 7:37-39)

While vs 6-7 spoke of the nations raging and wars erupting, what do vs 8-9 remind us?

Firstly, that wars are one of God's judgements in the world by which He brings arrogant nations down. He brings desolation and humbles the proud. But He is also the one who brings wars to an end and allows peace to return. It was God who gave the Allies victory in the two World Wars. And, at Christ's return, God will make war to cease forever. Meanwhile, how should believers respond to situations that feel like wild storms, or when our personal world is shaking, or if the nation is facing some alarming crisis? (vs 10)

God's word calls us to quieten our fears in the knowledge that He is our all-powerful friend, and He will reveal His glory even through the earth-shattering events we may face. Jesus' disciples had an amazing taste of this which Mark tells us about in his gospel. He says:

“When evening had come, Jesus said to them, 'Let us go across to the other side.' Leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat just as He was. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat so that the boat was already filling. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea: “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:35-40)

If ever we are faced with alarming situations - even life threatening ones - let us remind ourselves of what the Psalm writer said in vs 11. “The Lord of hosts is with us - the God of Jacob is our fortress.” That's why we can calm our fears and be still, for we know that He is God, and He is in control even of raging nations.