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
A Mighty Fortress ... our refuge and our strength ... a very present help in trouble ... the Lord of hosts ... all are themes embedded in this beloved psalm. As notes sounded by Martin Luther in the Reformation, these words are written in the hearts and minds especially of Lutherans and others who stand in the Reformation tradition.
In the midst of this psalm is another very well-known and comforting verse. We are encouraged to take time and meditate on that precious good news of the One who is our refuge and strength, We hear these comforting words, "Be still and know that I am God." I have a friend who, before she leaves her car, spends 30 seconds in prayerful meditation before she goes to that next place in her very busy day.
In our disjointed lives, when we race from one appointment to the next, from one place to another, this simple practice can help us re-configure each of the events that make up our day. These words are most comforting. "Be still and know that I am God."
Prayer
O God our refuge, help us to seek out your presence that we might find strength and comfort in the promise that you are a very present help in trouble. Amen.