Psalm 46: A Very Present Help in Time of Trouble
Text: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1 (KJV)
Beloved, in a world that often feels like it is unraveling before our eyes, Psalm 46 stands like a lighthouse in the storm. Whether we are looking at the turbulence of our own lives—sickness, loss, uncertainty—or the greater shaking of nations, economies, and even nature itself, these ancient words ring with power and promise.
God Is Our Refuge and Strength
The psalm opens with a bold declaration: “God is our refuge and strength.” Notice, it doesn’t say our government, our bank account, or even our family—though all of these may be blessings. It says God is our refuge. He is where we run when the winds howl and the earth quakes beneath us.
Refuge is more than shelter; it is security. And strength is more than muscle; it is the power to endure. When we feel weak, He does not merely lend us strength—He is our strength.
A Very Present Help in Trouble
Not only is God powerful, but He is also present. In times of trouble, He is not a distant deity or a sleeping sovereign. He is close. The Hebrew here suggests immediacy—God is readily found, always near, actively helping.
When the diagnosis comes.
When the job is lost.
When the world shakes.
He is already there.
The Assurance Amid Earthly Chaos
Verse 2 says, “Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” This is not poetic exaggeration—it is prophetic warning. The Bible tells us that in the last days, the earth itself will convulse. Nature will seem to rebel, and nations will rage.
But the psalmist says, we will not fear. Why? Because the God who sits enthroned above the chaos is with us in the chaos. The great controversy between Christ and Satan is coming to its climax. But we do not tremble, because our eyes are fixed not on the shaking earth, but on the unshakeable God.
The River That Brings Peace
In verse 4, the scene shifts from chaos to calm: “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.” This river represents the presence of the Holy Spirit, the life-giving stream that flows from the throne of God. Even in the midst of global distress, there is a peace that flows into the hearts of God’s people.
Be Still and Know
And finally, we hear the Lord speak directly in verse 10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” This is not a suggestion; it is a command. When we are tempted to panic, to fear, to strive in our own strength, God calls us to stillness—because in stillness, we hear His voice more clearly. In stillness, we remember that He is God, not us. And He will be exalted in all the earth.
As the last days unfold, as the great controversy between good and evil intensifies, let us take heart. God is not only watching from above—He is with us, in us, and for us. He is our refuge, our strength, and our very present help in trouble.
So let the earth shake. Let the mountains fall. Let the nations roar.
We will not fear—because God is with us. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment