God Is Our Refuge.

GOD IS OUR REFUGE.

Psalm 46.

PSALM 46:1. A “refuge” is a place of safety for those who are in distress, a shelter from danger, a place of support for those in difficulty. “God” is all these to us. He is our “strength” when we are weak, more secure than a castle or a fortress, “a very present help in trouble.” He is a constant support, always with us, and He seems the more so the more we rely upon Him. That is who God is to us in our daily experience.

PSALM 46:2. We have to ask: why-fore the “therefore?” Well, if God is such to us, if nothing ‘shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 8:38-39), then what have we to “fear?” What though the earth be removed from beneath our feet, or the mountains slide into the sea – we have a firm place, a strong place, a secure hold in God.

PSALM 46:3. What though the seas fume and foam, we are safe in the ark of God: Jesus is in the ship with us to tell it all, ‘Peace be still’ (Mark 4:39). When we hear the waves crashing against the mountains it may erode a little, but it cannot usually bring them down. Yet even if it could, it will do nothing to shake the faith of true believers (cf. Habakkuk 3:17-18).

“Selah.” Be at peace, and think on this.

PSALM 46:4. The streams of the Gihon spring, outside the east wall of Jerusalem, continue to this very day to provide water into the city through the tunnel built by King Hezekiah. This represents ‘living water’ (John 7:38); the ‘pure river of the water of life’ (Revelation 22:1).

“The city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High” stands for the church. The “river,” the plentiful and constant supply of the grace of God.

PSALM 46:5. “In the midst” reminds us that He is near to help His people.

“She shall not be moved” – even if the earth does move beneath her feet, and the mountains do slide into the sea, and the sea does crash about relentlessly shaking the mountains with its great swelling waves (Psalm 46:2-3). It shall not trouble His faithful ones because of His presence with His people.

“God will help her, and that right early.” In our folly we may grow impatient, but God is never a moment too late.

PSALM 46:6. One occasion when the heathen raged – one of many – was when the Assyrian army came against Jerusalem in 701 B.C. God spoke through Isaiah, ‘I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.’ Then the angel of the covenant went forth and smote the Assyrians, ‘and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses’ (Isaiah 37:35-36).

The very earth melts at “His voice.” Oh that He would melt the hearts of men before it is too late for them!

PSALM 46:7. Our confidence lies in the fact that “the LORD of hosts” (the God of heaven) is with us; and that the God who was able to make something out of the turbulent life of Jacob is our ever reliable “refuge.”

“Selah.” Pause, and think on this.

PSALM 46:8. More than once God has decimated the armies of the warmongers. The destroyers are destroyed

PSALM 46:9. It is hard to imagine, but one day the wars will cease. Jesus will return, and only then will there be ‘Peace on earth.’

PSALM 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God” is addressed to His foes. His people already have ‘peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 5:1).

Idolatry falls before Him. ‘The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea’ (Habakkuk 2:14).

PSALM 46:11. Not only is the LORD of hosts with us, but we are taking shelter in God. ‘Abide in me, and I in you,’ says Jesus (John 15:4-5).

“Selah.” Pause, and think on this.