A Good God in Bad Times

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalms II: Chapters 42–106 (King James Version) Psalm 46: When Facing Devastating Misfortune or Overwhelming Trouble, 46:1–11

Psalm 46 was written during a time of overwhelming turmoil in Jerusalem. Many scholars believe the setting for this psalm, along with Psalms 47 and 48, is the Assyrian invasion of Judah during Hezekiah’s reign

Psalms II: Chapters 42–106 (King James Version) Psalm 46: When Facing Devastating Misfortune or Overwhelming Trouble, 46:1–11

At some point in our lives, we will face circumstances we feel are more than we can handle. We will know the hollow, helpless feeling of being able to do nothing to change our situation. The Lord has given us Psalm 46 for these times. This great psalm was the inspiration for Martin Luther’s great hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” This is, When Facing Devastating Misfortune or Overwhelming Trouble, 46:1–11.

But aren’t you glad we serve a Good God in Bad Times???

1. Times of pain

2. Times of Suffering

3. Uncertain Times

4. Uncomfortable Times

But even the hymnologist would remind us in days past that:

TIME IS FILLED WITH SWIFT TRANSITION, NON ON EARTH CAN MOVE AND STAND, BUILD YOUR HOPE ON THINGS ETERNAL, HOLD TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HAND!!!

WE SERVE A GOOD GOD IN BAD TIMES!!!

1. Something to Know - (God is) v.1

As a terrifying crisis approached Jerusalem, the psalmist led God’s people to lean fully on the Lord With the calmness that only faith can give. HE confesses that God is their refuge and strength. A refuge (machaceh) is a shelter, which is a place where we can hide for protection. Strength speaks of the power that God gives us to endure and overcome adversity.

a. He is always ready to help you in times of trouble (v. 1).

The Hebrew word for trouble (tsarah) literally means a narrow or tight place where a person is unable to move. It is also used to describe severe pressure. We all face situations beyond our control, but we do not have to face them alone. When trouble strikes, God is present.

The abverb very (mehode) indicates that He is exceedingly or speedily present. Not even a second goes by when we have to face our troubles alone, or in our own strength.

2. Something to Believe - (The Lord of Host is With Us) v.7

THE LORD OF HOST (HEAVEN’S ARMY)

With great confidence, the psalmist reminded the people that the Lord of hosts—the Commander of heaven’s armies—is their God

Scripture records numerous occasions when angels fought for God’s chosen people:

1. Just before the children of Israel marched on Jericho the Captain of the Lord’s host—Jesus Christ, appeared to Joshua (Jos. 5:13–15).

2. the night before the Assyrians planned to attack Israel, the Lord sent an angel who slayed 185,000 of Assyria’s mightiest men while they slept (2 K. 19:34–35; 2 Chr. 32:21–22).

3. God revealed to Daniel that, during the Great Tribulation, Michael (one of God’s mightiest angels) will stand up and fight for the children of Israel (Da. 12:1).

WE SERVE A GOD GOOD IN BAD TIMES!!!

3. Something to See - (Come Behold the Works of the Lord) v.8

After assuring the people of their security in God, the psalmist invited them to behold the works of the Lord. To behold (chazah) means to perceive or to have a vision of.

The psalmist wanted the people to reflect both on God’s past faithfulness to their nation and also on His future plans for them. He prophetically directed their attention to the last days when God’s plan for the world and His purpose for Israel will ultimately be fulfilled.

Psalms II: Chapters 42–106 (King James Version) Psalm 46: When Facing Devastating Misfortune or Overwhelming Trouble, 46:1–11

a. He destroys (judges) the nations (v. 8).

Psalms II: Chapters 42–106 (King James Version) Psalm 46: When Facing Devastating Misfortune or Overwhelming Trouble, 46:1–11

b. He brings peace to the earth (v. 9).

4. Something to Witness - (Exaltation of God) v.10

The prospect of God’s destroying Israel’s enemies brought hope to the people.

Although other nations would continually rise up against her, God’s chosen nation could rest in His promise that He would one day deliver them for all eternity.

The psalmist concluded by instructing God’s people to be still, to cease from their fretting and agonizing and know that God is in control of their destiny (Ps. 37:8).

THAT WORD Know is (yada): It means to know by experience. Because Israel had experienced God’s faithfulness in the past, they could trust Him in the present. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for be still means to slacken or make loose. Simply put, God is telling His people to relax and wait for Him to do all that He has promised.