Tag: Psalm 46:1
“Be Still and Know”
Scripture reading for July 6: Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.” vs. 8-11 “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. Be still and know that I AM God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
When we experience a disruption in our lives because of sickness, emotional breakdown, or unexpected war or trouble, it is good to remind ourselves about God. The psalmist was going through such a time in his own life. He composed this song as an offering of worship and it is now recorded in God’s Word as a revelation of Who our God is. It builds faith in our hearts as we read and receive the truths declared. We can declare that God is with us now and He is just what we need as our “I AM”.
First of all, God is our refuge and strength. He is always present with us in our trials and troubles. He is the “I Am” that we need when under attack. He is the commander of heaven’s armies (Lord of hosts) and our fortress, giving us His own glorious presence as a wall of fire around us. (Zechariah 2:5) He has already won the battle and we can boast in His victory. We can rejoice in His protection and presence.
I am encouraged that God fights my battles. I bring to mind previous victories. How wonderful that God makes wars to cease. He breaks bows and shatters the spears of enemies who seek my harm and death. He causes the chariots of my foes to be burned with fire or buries them in the sea with overwhelming waves. As I quiet my mind and encourage myself in remembering and recounting God’s mighty works of deliverance, the Holy Spirit reveals God’s eternal presence and power. The great “I AM” is exalted in my life, I declare Him among the nations, and say ‘amen’ to His Kingship over the whole earth!
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your declared presence with me now and always. Thank You for being my refuge and fortress in my time of trouble as well as the One Who fights for me and has defeated my enemies. Help me to be still and know that You are God! I exalt You as God over the earth! Amen.
There is a River!
Scripture reading for June 11: Psalms 42-49
America has one of the finest and best equipped armies in the entire world. We have a great air force which has a wide variety of weapons to strike the enemy from afar and soften the opposition before ground troops go into harms way. We have a military intelligence system that gathers information about the enemy and battlefield for the air force and ground forces. But in spite of our great army and ability to protect our nation and people, there is yet a much more fearful and powerful force of protection!
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
God’s ability to protect His people and help them in trouble is well documented. He delivered David as a shepherd boy from the lion and the bear and then from the giant, Goliath. He delivered an entire nation from slavery in Egypt and then saved them from the most powerful army on earth as they were being pursued. He caused the Red Sea to close over the enemy army after His people walked through this sea on a dry bed! Bring on those powerful armies! Our God is our refuge and strength!
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall’ God will help her at the break of day. Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Psalm 46:4-7
God’s presence is likened to a river of refreshing and life-giving water. All who were inside the city and belonged to God would have this source of water and life available to them. In the midst of confusion of the nations, God’s voice melts the earth, causing kingdoms to fall. God is in charge and present with His people. He Himself is their Fortress during judgment and war!
“He makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth, He breaks the bow and shatters the spear, He burns the shields with fire. Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:9-10
God will ultimately bring peace to this troubled world. We must silence our lips from fretting and fear and unbelief! God is in control! He alone is our refuge and strength!