Studies in the Psalms - Psalm 46

How to Have Peace Living Under the Threat of Destruction

As one who grew up in the sixties, I saw the results of living in a world under threat of nuclear war. I can remember the countless drills at school, when we practiced putting our heads in our laps in hopes that we might survive the blast if it occurred. For me the recent North Korean threats have disturbed me. I rejoiced when the Cold War ended and it seems as if we have moved back into a place of danger. This morning’s psalm is a calming salve to those fears.

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

The world we live in is changing. It has already changed by leaps and bounds since my childhood. But we need not fear. Our God is a refuge and a strong one. Nothing can come up against Him.

Psalm 46:4-7
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.  God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.  The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted.  The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

The Bible tells us that those who are in authority over the nations were put there by God, Himself. And God, who dwells in the heavenly realm, is above the nations. God created this world by merely speaking it into existence. He can melt this earth in the exact same way. Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump can spew out threats all day long, but God is still sovereign over them. The God of Jacob is our stronghold.

What do we do in the midst of this changing world? How do we not live in anxious fear of nuclear war?

Psalm 46:8-9
Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.  He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.

God is still in control.

What do we do?

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Be still. Know that He is God. Kim Jong-un will one day bend his knee to Jesus. Until then, we are commanded to pray for him. (Matthew 5:44) Donald Trump is in serious need of Godly counsel. We are commanded to pray for him. (1 Timothy 2:1-3) We are commanded to exalt God and God alone is worthy of both praise and of fear.

Pray for the world’s leaders. Then be still and know that He is God. Rest in Him. He is a safe refuge. He is a mighty fortress.

Psalm 46:11
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Amen.