Psalm 46 (NRSV)
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Verse 1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Verse 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
Verse 3though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
Verse 4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
Verse 5God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
Verse 6The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
Verse 7The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Verse 8Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
Verse 9He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
Verse 10"Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth."
Verse 11The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Devotion
Today’s psalm prepares us to hear this week’s gospel reading (John 8:31-36) by telling us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” no matter the trouble, no matter the source. The very One who judges us rightly is our only true refuge!
Though our world may change around us in disturbing ways, though that which may have seemed as immovable as bedrock now trembles at the onslaught of the threatening deep, the LORD’s word of promise – sure and certain – sustains us: “Be still, and know that I am God!”
Psalm 46 not only celebrates God’s ultimate victory over the nations, it points us who have troubled consciences to the God who has the ultimate victory: victory over our death, over our sin, over our sinfulness. With one word, God spoke creation into existence; with one word he speaks the new creation into existence.
Prayer
Victorious God, you looked upon creation and declared it “good.” Reassure us with your word in the midst of the storms of earthly life. Amen.