Psalms

Psalms 46: God is our refuge and strength

Begin in prayer

Before we read about mountains moving and nations raging, let us remember the God who remains a present help. Ask God for faith in Jesus and a settled confidence in His presence when the world around us shakes.

For who is God, besides Yahweh? Who is a rock, besides our God?

2 Samuel 22:32

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word, and help us to see Christ. Show us that the mighty LORD is with His people and is their refuge in trouble. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The sons of Korah sing of God as refuge, strength and present help in trouble. They will not fear even if the earth changes and mountains fall into the roaring sea. A river gladdens God's city, where His presence gives security and His help comes at dawn. Nations rage and kingdoms are moved, yet God's voice melts the earth. The singers call everyone to see His mighty works, which end wars and destroy weapons. God commands stillness before His rule, and the song repeats that the LORD of Armies is with His people as their refuge.

As you read Psalms 46, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD of Armies is with His people, their refuge when the earth shakes and nations rage.

Earth giving way and mountains falling picture the collapse of things that seem most secure. God's help remains present through that upheaval, giving His people a refuge stronger than the ground beneath them. The river pictures the life and gladness His presence gives His holy city. Jerusalem's security rests in God dwelling there, beyond the strength of walls or armies. Dawn marks His timely help after the night, while the nations' uproar meets the voice that makes the earth melt. The repeated name LORD of Armies declares His rule over every power that threatens His people. His judgment brings wars to an end, breaking bows and spears and burning chariots. The command to be still confronts striving before Him and calls hearers to acknowledge the God exalted throughout the earth. The last refrain brings that great rule near, with the God of Jacob Himself as His people's refuge.

How does Psalm 46 show us that the LORD of Armies is with His people, their refuge when the earth shakes and nations rage?

God is His people's refuge when the earth shakes.

The ground and mountains seem firm until the song pictures them giving way. Even that danger cannot remove God as present help. His people's confidence rests in Him when familiar securities fail.

God's presence gives His city help and gladness.

The river's streams picture gladness in the place where God dwells. Nations may rage, yet His voice is stronger than their uproar. The LORD of Armies is with His people and helps them.

God will be exalted throughout the earth.

The singers call everyone to see the Lord's works against war. He breaks the weapons on which nations depend. His command to be still requires them to acknowledge His rule over all the earth.

Memorise

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

Psalm 46:1

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what security am I trusting more than Jesus when my world feels shaken?

The singers confess, “God is our refuge and strength.” Mountains may move and nations rage, yet the LORD of Armies is with His people. Their refuge is the God whose voice rules over every threat.

Our rebellion has made us guilty before this mighty Lord. Jesus bore the punishment His people deserved, dying in their place to bring them into peace with God. The Father raised Him from death. No further payment can be required from His people, for His atoning death has settled their whole debt and secured pardon.

Turn from sin and take refuge in Jesus. He forgives everyone who comes to Him. Tell Him what has shaken your confidence this week and ask Him to teach you trust. Those who belong to Him have a refuge whose strength remains when the things around them give way.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the mighty LORD is with His people and is their refuge in trouble. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He is the refuge of His people when the world around them shakes. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.

John 14:23

LORD of Armies, You rule over the earth and every nation. Please lead us to trust Jesus for peace with You. Forgive the false securities on which we lean. Help Your people who face upheaval and war, and teach us to acknowledge Your rule while bringing every fear to You. Amen.