Text: Psalm 46
Open with me to Psalm 46.
This week, Norway has been ravaged with the shootings of over 90 children at the hands of a madman. Families are shattered, friendships irrecoverable. Though this seemed to be a politically and racially motivated crime, many sources of media call this man a ’Right Wing Fundamentalist Christian.’ Yet there are still odd utilitarian and freemason allegiances that bring into question that assertion. Name one authentic Jesus-following church that celebrates the actions of this man today. Clearly this was a sinful act that grieved the heart of God and led to the loss of many lives. Let us have hearts that grieve for the families of the victims, and let us pray that they seek Jesus for refuge through this time.
This man’s actions do not represent Jesus. Jesus desired that His followers bless even those who curse them! According to the book of Acts, we are ’One Blood’ -- so essentially, we are all members of one race: the Human Race. There is diversity within the human race in ethnicities, but even so, Jesus called us to reach all of them, as He does not discriminate. He wants all to know Him. Both Jew and Gentile are able to know Him. There’s no room for racism today in a pleasing relationship before God.
So with this tragedy in mind, let’s pray for those affected, and in whatever situation we are brought to, let’s look to God as our refuge. Let’s read Psalm 46 together:
Psalm 46
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Before we discuss further, let’s open in prayer.
(Opening Prayer)
Basic Points:
I. Life is Crazy
II. God is our Peace
(1)
Refuge - shelter from rain or storm
Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
Strength - Might, Power
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Very Present - Literally "very findable"
In our deepest and darkest valley, we simply need to call on the Lord -- He hears!
Whatever distress we come across in life, we can find help in our God.
(2-3)
…and as a result, we don’t have to fear, even in the worst situations:
- Even if the world ends
- Even if the mountains are thrown into the sea
- Even if the rivers rage
- Even if the mountains are shaken by the raging rivers
Meaning?
Mountains: Very strong and majestic -- high altitude, rugged.
Jesus said that faith can move even mountains. Mountains were seen as something close to permanent, and it would require QUITE a feat to move them!
Matthew 17:20 - "…Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ’Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."
Here in Psalm 46, the Psalmist is saying that even if those symbols of strength and majesty completely topple, we will not need to fear -- the Lord is where our strength, comfort, and protection come from.
Though everything is in disarray and commotion, the Lord is our peace and our anchor.
Barnes - "Nothing is more sublime and fearful than the ocean in a storm"
Whatever comes our way in life, and regardless of how much it shakes us and seems to be out of control, the Lord is our peace and our unmovable shelter.
(4-5)
Peace:
Jerusalem
God will help His people -- and just in time!
As a peaceful river, the Lord brings serenity, beauty, and fertility on the shores of the land of His people. This image is a stark contrast to the first three verses. All around is going insane, but the Lord brings peace to those who serve Him.
He will help at the break of dawn -- when things are the worst and seemingly darkest, the Lord’s provision rescues and brings ’light’ and hope to the situation. Literally, God comes just in time to help out.
(6)
Those who attack God’s people will hear Him roaring back even stronger.
Let the Lord fight your battles for you.
Even though nations were rising up (raging), the LORD merely speaks and things are shaken forever.
Remember that God spoke things into existence -- pretty powerful! The worst we can do can be undone by just a word from God.
- We sin against Him, but He has spoken about and provided the provision of forgiveness through Jesus (see Genesis 3:15).
- If we do not repent, and we have hardened hearts against God, our hope of dethroning Him will be foiled by God’s declaration of our guilt.
May we be found under Grace and not Judgment!
(7)
Reassurance and refrain:
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
The LORD of Hosts:
- The LORD is in charge of effective armies of angels
- The LORD is mighty in battle
- The LORD defends His people!
The God of Jacob:
- Delivers us out of our troubles
- Calls us our friend
- Is faithful to His covenant
"The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"
Remember the covenant God made with Abram/Abraham (I will make you a great nation // In you all nations will be called blessed)? He is faithful to it, even through the generations.
God will never leave you, and He will never forsake you!
(8)
Desolations in the earth
Some believe this Psalm to be a rejoicing over the Lord sending the angel to defeat the Assyrian army in Isaiah 36-37. The Rabshakeh came with taunt after taunt about how strong the Assyrian army was and how God could not deliver the Israelites from an attack…yet the Lord proved victorious, even with just a single declaration of victory!
Even though people come against the people of God, God will ultimately roar the loudest in the end of all things.
"Every mouth will be silenced"
(9)
Peace - He makes wars cease
At one point in the restoration of what God originally intended, we will beat swords into plowshares. Instead of fighting all the time, we will be able to work in peace and enjoy both each other and God.
Even so, things are still in disarray. Yet He is our peace.
(10)
"Be still"
Rest
Be calm
Be at peace
He is God!
He is in control. He is sovereign.
He will be exalted (lifted up) by nations around the world.
He will reign victoriously.
(11)
Reassurance and refrain:
Have peace! He is with us!
Our faithful God will never forsake us, and even more, He will be with us through any difficult situation in life.
Remember:
Life is crazy.
God is our peace.
Application
1. Pray for people in difficult situations
This week, hundreds and thousands were devastated in Norway. Pray for the victims’ friends and families, and pray that the attacker comes to know Jesus personally. It seems clear that this is a madman who needs to read about Jesus’ teachings. Do you know someone going through a difficult time in your day-to-day matters? Pray that the God of Peace will be with them to be their refuge through difficult times.
2. Be still and have peace in God
He knows what He’s doing. Even through your trials in life, He will be that "easily findable" God, as He always is, and He will provide for you just in time. Even though things may seem crazy and in disarray around you, He is our shelter in times of storm. Do you have Jesus in your life? If not, repent of your sin and accept His sacrifice for you! In any case, commit this all to the Lord and take action to put this word into practice!
Though life is utter chaos at times, we have a God who is all about restoration. We must seek forgiveness for our disobedience against God’s commands, and it’s only through Jesus that we can receive that forgiveness today.
"Lord, I am a sinner!"
We all have disobeyed God
"Lord, I believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus!"
He died for us and resurrected on the third day
"Lord, I accept this for my life, and I commit to following you!"
Follow Jesus!
"In Jesus’ Name, Amen"
Only through His authority can we reach Heaven.
Let’s close in prayer, and again, whatever you need to commit to the Lord, do so today.
(Closing Prayer)
