God Our Refuge And Strength A Close Look At Psalm 46

God Our Refuge and Strength

A Close Look at Psalm 46

By

Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.

OPENING: - One of the most powerful verses in scripture yet seemingly the hardest for us to adhere to is Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God…” I believe part of this may be due to our misunderstanding of what it means to “Be still” as well as the fight or flight syndrome which is the response that happens to a person when the presence of something mentally or physically terrifying happens. Now it is said that the fight or flight response has 3 stages:

1. The alarm stage: - During this stage the central nervous system is ramped up preparing your body to either fight or flee.

2. The resistance stage: - This is the stage in which the body attempts to normalize and recover from initial elevated fight or flight response.

3. The exhaustion stage: - If the first two stages occur repeatedly overtime this can cause the body to feel exhausted and begin to break down.

**The thing about the fight or flight response is that it is based on your abilities. The physiological and psychological response to stressors prepares our body to react to danger by fighting or fleeing. However, Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God”. Our natural understanding of this is to stand still, to not move, and hold your ground. However, when we look at this whole chapter, we learn the full and deeper meaning of “Be still” and how regardless of the stressors we face, the storms we must go through, the dangers that are all around that we can truly understand what it means to Be still and know that He is God.

God Our Refuge and Strength – A Close Look at Psalms 46

PRAYER

SCRIPTURE: - Psalm 46:1-11 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”.

I said Psalms 46:10 is one of the most powerful verses in scripture, but I believe the entire chapter is one of the most powerful chapters in scripture and is profoundly personal. It is a chapter that looks directly in the face of adversity, chaos, darkness, uncertainty, confusion, incompetence, ignorance, arrogance, racism, radicalism, disappointment, disorder, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil, anarchy, discord, disarray, overwhelmingness, oppression, emotional - mental strangulation and oligarchy and makes the proclamation that regardless of what it seems like, what we are faced with, who thinks they are in charge, executive orders that are made, displays of force used to incite fear and panic that Jehovah Sabaoth – the Lord of Host is in charge and most importantly He with us and the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Vs#1: - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The first thing we must understand about this verse is that this is a declaration against fear, stress, troubles, disappointments, anxieties, chaos, overwhelming circumstances, and anything contrary to the Will and Word of God over our lives. A declaration is a firm statement or assertion, an official announcement, notification, or proclamation that reflects both divine and human communication, emphasizing the importance of announcing God's truth and promises. Example: - This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased Matthew 3:17. It declared who Jesus was and signified Love and approval. So, first thing we must understand about this verse is that this is a declaration against fear, stress, troubles, disappointments, anxieties, chaos, overwhelming circumstances, and anything contrary to the Will and Word of God over our lives.

God is our - Refuge: - A refuge is a place that is safe from the pursuit of danger, distress, or trouble, it is something providing shelter. This is saying God is our safe place our ultimate shelter from danger and trouble the perfect source of comfort, safety, peace, and security. Understand He is not a refuge that is built by human hands, He is not subject to decay or infiltration by the enemy. He is the deep-seated divine assurance and support I need in times of trouble, turmoil, and upheaval. He is my reliable sanctuary when my world is turned upside down. He is where I can go to be protected from physical and spiritual harm. When we say God is our refuge, we are saying God is a protector who offers sanctuary against overwhelming odds. At its core, refuge symbolizes a profound sense of belonging and acceptance, not merely a physical sanctuary but also an emotional and spiritual embrace, a place where people are accepted without judgment. God is our refuge offers a respite from both external conflicts and internal struggles, providing a space where one can find tranquility and renewal. God is our refuge empowers us to face life’s challenges with renewed vigor and confidence.