Our Refuge and Strength in Times of Trouble

Psalm 46

Intro:

The Psalms are categorized into several types, each serving a distinct purpose in worship and expression of faith. The main categories include: 1. **Laments**: These express sorrow and seek God's help, with both community and individual examples. 2. **Hymns of Praise**: These celebrate God's attributes and deeds. 3. **Hymns of Thanksgiving**: Similar to laments, these express gratitude, both individually and communally. 4. **Hymns Celebrating God’s Law**: Such as Psalm 119, focusing on the importance of divine law. 5. **Wisdom Psalms**: Reflecting themes from the Wisdom Books, like Psalms 1 and 37. 6. **Songs of Confidence**: Encouraging trust in God during hardships, exemplified by Psalm 23. 7. **Royal Psalms**: Relating to the Davidic monarchy and its significance. 8. **Historical Psalms**: Drawing lessons from Israel's history. 9. **Prophetic Hymns**: Calling for covenant faithfulness. The Psalms are structured into five books, each with its own themes and tones, reflecting the journey of faith and worship.

ESV Global Study Bible, Ps, p 727

Psalm 46 would fall into Hymns of Praise

Summary: Psalm 46 is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and protection, emphasizing that He is our refuge amidst chaos and turmoil.

Think about the spot in your life where you’d always go when life felt overwhelming. What about it brought serenity or peace in the midst of the chaos? God is like that spot. When you take refuge in Him, you find joy, safety, and peace away from life's pressures. No matter what may come, He’ll always be your solid foundation.

Big Idea: In times of distress, we can confidently seek shelter in God, who alone is our strength and help.

While the event surrounding the writing of this Psalm is unknown, the truths carry universal and timeless truth for us. The Psalmist celebrates God’s faithfulness despite the frailty of the world around.

We will see 3 truths tonight of what God’s presence brings to His people...

1. God’s Presence Brings Refuge vs. 1-3

Psalm 46:1-3

Present reality is key to dealing with what is going on around us. The fact that God is our refuge and strength can only be truly known by those who are called by Him.

James Hamilton wrote “Psalm 46 was written before the cross, but its fulfillment depends upon the cross and resurrection”

There is a futuristic message carried in this wonderful Psalm and rings with the clearer picture of what Revelation demonstrates.

I don’t know if you ever been through a terrible storm that caused fear. But there are few things that can settle you during that time. But one thing that can settle you is having a secure dwelling. That is what is communicated by the Psalmist in this hypothetical situation.

The fact that God Himself is our dwelling allows us in the midst of the storms to be able to triumphantly go out and interact with the world around us.

It is why Martin Luther would pen the classic hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.

Proverbs 14:26 reminds us of this same truth.

“The heart of the sea” speaks to mystery and danger, deep unknown. Similar to what Jonah wrote in Jonah 2:3 as he sat in the fish’s belly.

But God is not just a distant deity. The psalmist makes 20 different references to God throughout this short psalm. We can be sure that God is our present refuge, our sure defense. These verses assure believers that no matter the magnitude of the storms they face, God's presence is more powerful and comforting.

So how does one go about putting application into this? We can pray and seek the Lord in the midst of our chaos. So what does that look like? Pray...

2. God’s Presence Brings Peace vs. 4-7

Psalm 46:4-7

In verses 2-3, the psalmist is contrasting the difference one’s presence makes. In a world without God realized presence many things go wrong. But for the one who is resting in the presence of God there is peace despite what is going on around them.

Christ embodies this peace through the Holy Spirit, affirming His presence and constant help for us. In order to find this peace we need to know that God is with us and He remains our beacon for His peace in turbulent times.

V. 4 speaks not to a literal river in the city of God (Jerusalem) but is a picture of what is brought by water in an arid land. Life and stability compared to the sea.

“other texts use a “river” in the holy city as an emblem of God’s blessing and grace (Ezek. 47:1–12; Rev. 22:1–2)” ESV Expository Commentary

Most High the Hebrew word “Elyon” title going back to Gen 14:18-24 with the priest king Melchizedek is clear of His position and why peace can be brought to us by Him.

V. 5 stands in contrast to what we read in vs. 2-3

v. 5 when the morning dawns reminds of the truth and should motivate our views towards the day of resurrection for Jesus and the day of our eternal home.

v. 7 Lord of Hosts means the God of invincible armies. Addressing the God of victories whom has never lost the war.

So what motivates our prayers?

It should be this same truth. God’s peace allows us to settling into His arms and communicate all that is around us.

Pray....

3. God’s Presence Brings Serenity vs. 8-11

Psalm 46:8-11

Behold v. 8 means to have a really good look to discern and understand what you see.

This is an encouragement to the congregation to behold God's sovereignty over all earthly turmoil. In these concluding verses of the Psalm, God's ultimate power is demonstrated in His ability to bring wars to an end. Suggest reflecting on Christ as the Prince of Peace who conquers chaos and sin, urging believers to be still and trust in God's timing and power. Encourage them to surrender their anxieties, finding strength and stillness in Him.

The call for Jerusalem, God’s chosen city, to stand was for it to remain a place that called people to worship Him. Today, we stand as God’s holy dwelling and the call is the same to reach into the chaos to draw people to God through the gospel.

V. 9 cease is the verb is where we get the word Sabbath. When God declares an end of war, it is done. Never to return again.

Mark 4:3 carries the same voice weight and power behind the one whom commands a stillness.

Nothing can happen but what God ordains; and, therefore, why should we fear?

Earthquake But Not Heartquake, Volume 33, Sermon #1950 - Psalm 46:1-3

Charles Spurgeon

V. 10 is a call to the nations. They are to stop their wars and surrender to Him.

“The initial words (“Be still”) have the sense “Leave off your activity” (Neh. 6:3) or “Stop!” (1 Sam. 15:16), and this most naturally applies to the Gentiles, among whom God “makes wars cease” (Ps. 46:9).” ESV Commentary on Psalm

V. 11 repeats v. 7 but just as the Psalmist reminds his hearers and his own heart that God is with us. He is also recalling the promise given to Abram back in Gen 12:1-3. A promise of land, seed, and blessing to those called by the Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob.

Pray for the outreach you can have this week.

Pray for the stilling of the world around to hear the gospel.

It is good to in prayer just to pause and meditate on the truths of who God is to help calm oneself.

Next Steps: This Psalm can help Christians find peace and assurance in God during life’s storms, reminding them of His presence and strength when they feel overwhelmed.

“Christians profess to live in an era in which their capital is the heavenly Zion [Jerusalem], but the actual churches are the outposts of that heavenly city. They ought to renew their thankfulness for their membership in such a glorious “city” and their confidence in the ultimate victory God will achieve in the world.” ESV Commentary on Psalm 46

“God does not prevent tribulations coming, but he is at hand when they come, making us tried and tested.” John Chrysostom Commentary on the Psalms

“Above all, let this psalm cheer your heart, believer as it has strengthened so many of your brothers and sisters in centuries past. If you are in Christ, you belong to the one who is God with us, who is the conquering and divine Messiah-king, and who is to his people the place of safe holiness and living waters for all eternity.” Christopher Ash The Psalms A Christ-Centered Commentary Vol 2

If you feel overwhelmed by family responsibilities or the chaos that comes with life,

Take a moment each evening to write down three ways God has been present in your day.

This simple act not only helps you reflect on His faithfulness but also creates a positive habit of recognizing His strength even in the stormy moments of family life.