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
If you have lived for any time at all you have experienced a “dark night of the soul”, a time of troubling fear. The deadly nature of troubling fear is that it paralyzes and lures us into ourselves where doubt and despair dwell.
Martin Luther used this Psalm as the basis for his hymn A Mighty Fortress. There was an extended time in my life when I clung to his words: "Were they to take our house, goods, honor, child or spouse, thought life be wretched away, they cannot win the day. The Kingdom’s ours forever.” They saved me from the quicksand of myself.
Listen! But do not listen to the tumult! Be still, and know that I am God!” Be raised from troubling fear and so bring God’s hope and peace to all people.
Prayer
Almighty God, amid all our doubts and fears you have told us to fear nothing except losing you. When the world trembles, be present to everyone. Be a refuge and strength for all, especially those who do not know your name; for Jesus’ sake. Amen.