January 25, 2021 (Monday)
What do we do when the sky is falling? Psalm 46 was originally
designed to be sung to or by young girls (“according to alamoth”). When you
think of vulnerable populations in ancient Israel, young girls would certainly
be vulnerable.
Psalm 46:1 begins with theology, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present
help in trouble.” [ESV] We are told
in the first line of this Psalm that God is our refuge and strength. This line
seems to be abrupt, happening suddenly like the storms of life. Yet, God is
someone we can depend on. The image here is God is always near and always ready
to help.
Israel in in a place where earthquakes are common. I’ve
never experienced one, but I hear they are terrifying. The Psalm uses that
image, “Therefore
we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into
the heart of the sea.” [Psalm 46:2
ESV] Even when it seems like those things we count on to be sold start moving,
we can “not fear.” This courage comes only through confidence in God.
In Revelation, there is a description of the New Jerusalem
(heaven). In that description is the image of a river flowing down the middle
of the city. Before John’s vision, we find the same image in Psalm 46:4, “There is a river
whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.” [ESV]
Psalm 46 also reminds us of God’s sovereignty over nations
and history. “The
nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.” [Psalm 46:6 ESV] It is a serious error to think we
control our own destiny. In one sense, we are along for the ride in history. We
will suffer the same destiny as our nation.
We all long for peace. Psalm 46 echoes that longing. “He makes wars cease
to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the
chariots with fire.” [Psalm 46:9 ESV]
From other places in Scripture we know that there will be a time when nations
will no longer train for war. In fact we will forget how to war. God will judge
justly between nations and people. All wrongs will be set right.
Then there is a verse of instruction. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be
exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” [Psalm 46:10 ESV] When what seems solid begins to
heave and toss like an earthquake, our confidence is in God. We have to trust
that He is good. We have to depend on God, even if we suffer. Rather than
becoming despondent or fearful we need to stop.
The best course of action is to “be still.” In that stillness
we have a chance to see, feel, and know God at work. In the end, when all is
said and done… God will be exalted. Punctuating this lesson Psalm 46 concludes,
“The Lord of
Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” [Psalm
46:11 NLT]
Ever hear or say “you and what army?” Guess what, God and
God’s army is with His people… with you, if you are in Christ.
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