Psalm 46
God is…so we.
God is: “security and strength” verse 1, “here among us” verse 11, “One who causes war to end” verse 9
So we: “will be still and know that He is God” verse 10, “will not fear when troubles come” verse 2
A Psalm is a song to be sung when people gathered to focus on God. It would express thoughts and emotions, and it was designed to shape their thoughts and emotions.
What did this Psalm mean to them?
Psalm 46 is most likely written about the events described in 2 Kings 18 – 19. The Assyrian King Sennacherib invades and brings siege to Jerusalem and King Hezekiah. His army far outnumbers them and stand ready to cut off their water supply (a weak point in their defense). Sennacherib makes a point of calling their trust in God foolish. “Do you think God can save you?” Hezekiah spreads out Sennacherib’s letter before God in the Temple. He calls on God’s help for a victory that is beyond their ability. Through the prophet Isaiah, God responds with a promise to win the battle for them (and predicts a specific death for Sennacherib). God made good on His promise and sent an angel to wipe out the army of Sennacherib. This is how God provides for and protects His people.
Psalm 46 calls people to remember this story of how people found security and strength in God. In the face of great challenges, people are called to worship God based on who He is, what He has done, and what He will do.
When there’s a victory you can’t win… God our security and strength.
Trouble: In need of healing, forgiveness, help, wisdom, direction, strength, provision, protection?
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.’” – Isaiah 30:15
“Our city is strong! We are surrounded by the walls of God’s salvation. 2 Open the gates to all who are righteous; allow the faithful to enter. 3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! 4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.” – Isaiah 26:1-4
Today I’m strengthened by the truth that God is in control and that God loves us.
“Almighty and all wise God our heavenly father! Through your goodness and mercy, we have been spared to assemble ourselves here once more to call upon a Captain who has never lost a battle. Oh, throw round us your strong arms of protection. Bind us together in love and union. Build us up where we are torn down and strengthen us where we are weak. Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord! take the lead of our minds, place them on heaven and heavenly divine things. Oh, God, our Captain and King!” – Melva W. Costen