God Given Confidence

Intro

- The context of our psalm is uncertain but the promise of God’s protection is not.

- Some have proposed that the historical context of Psalms 46-48 is God’s supernatural deliverance of the city of Jerusalem from the Assyria armies of King Sennacherib during the reign of good King Hezekiah in c. 701 B.C.

- Read Second Kings 19:35-36

- Therefore, come what may, big or small, God’s protection is readily available to those who trust Him.

I. God is our refuge and strength (1)

- A refuge is a shelter or fortress a place of protection

- He is the one I run to

- He is our hiding place

- God provides protection (refuge) and power (strength)

- But this requires a personal relationship with Him (gospel)

- God is for me he has my back

- I have safety in Him

- His Word gives me strength

- His peace gives me strength

- His Spirit gives me strength

- Is God your refuge

- Because God is my refuge, my strength, and because I have a personal relationship with Him…

II. I will not fear (2-3)

- Fear is a monster; but His promise removes fear

- The psalmist even list reasons we might fear

o Disaster—though the earth gives way—this is the worth disaster and is promised to occur in the last days, even then God is a refuge for the godly and that promise stops our fears

o Disappointment—though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea—the disappearance of what has seemed stable causes us to question what else is unstable. When this happens it causes disappointment. His promise stops the fears that come with disappointment

o Discomfort—though its waters roar and foam—waters are to comfort and soothe us (Psalm 23:3) but when waters are turbulent it upsets us. Life can bring discomfort, but this promise negates the fear

o Disturbance—though the mountain trembles at its swelling—trembling reminds us of earthquakes which disturb people. The promise stops the fear of disturbance

- I will not live based on what I see

- An English woman had two daughters, one of which had died. She was on a ship bound for America for a visit with her other daughter. In a storm at sea it was feared that the ship might sink. All the passengers save this woman were in a state of near panic. When asked why she was so calm, she said: “Well, I have two daughters, one in America and one in heaven. I am on my way to see my daughter. If the ship survives, I will see the one in America. If not, I will see the one in heaven. So either way, I will see my daughter.”

III. God is with me (4-7)

- His river sustains me

- His river makes me glad

- God is with me

- Where God is there is peace

- The turmoil we see in our world shows us God is not blessing the wicked world with His presence

- I am unmovable even when the storms rage

- Nothing happens to me without God’s permission (Job)

- God is my fortress and He cannot be breached

IV. I will behold His works (8-9)

- He has brought desolation on the earth

o This is judgement on wickedness

o Many great nations of the past have been destroyed, ruined and are no more because of God’s judgement

o Judgement against evil is worthy of praise but it also is a warning

- He makes wars cease to end the earth

o Jesus, not the UN, not the leaders of the world, is the prince of peace

o He alone can bring peace

o He alone will bring real peace to the middle east

- He breaks the bow and shatters the spear

- He burns the chariot with fire (Psalm 20:7)

V. Because of this how should I respond (10)

- Stop!

- Be still

- Know I am God

- Focus only on God

o Not the enemy

o Not circumstances

- When we focus on God we will glorify Him

o Because we will be bold

o We will be confident

o We will have assurance

o We will be exalting God

- I read about an Indian surgeon named Dayal, I was impressed with this inscription prominently placed on the wall in his stark operating room: “Thou, God, Seest Me.”

Conclusion—

- Salvation

- Where do you take refuge and find strength (in yourself fail)

- Are you fearful give it to Him this morning come pray ask someone to come with you

- His presence is with you

- Be still watch him move