Psalm 46 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 46 on biblegateway.com
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
Tomorrow is Wednesday, the day when mountains shake and waters roar as students stampede down the hall to confirmation class. I stand waiting to greet them, clutching my Small Catechism and claiming that I am a child of God—I shall not be moved. At moments when it is difficult to teach I am ready to yell: "Quiet! I'm talking!"
I wonder if sometimes God wants to yell the same thing at us. In the midst of trouble do we forget to be still and recognize God? Do we forget that God is talking? We live in a world of trouble and tumult. Yet, we have a God of refuge and strength who works in the midst of life's storms. God tells us, "Be still and know that I am God. Watch me work.”
Whatever storm you are facing, be still and know that God is God. You are not alone. Amen