Psalm 46 Series

Psalm 46

This morning we will take a look at what I believe is one of the most powerful and comforting passages in the Bible - Psalm 46.

It is important to realize two things about this psalm before we begin our study this morning.

1) This psalm can bring us great comfort and hope in

the wake of the recent disaster.

2) It is important to remember this psalm was written

thousands of years ago, so it is not only for our

current situation, but it provides hope for every

person, in every situation – at all times - If

they put their trust in God.

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields[2] with 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 Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

I. Background:

Psalm of David

1)God is our refuge and strength

"1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

A)God is a safe place for those who trust Him

David here describes God as a refuge and strength for those who trust in Him.

"Refuge" – Is a safe place from danger or storms.

* If we trust in Jesus we are in a safe place.

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When a tornado blows by we quickly take refuge in a safe place to escape the turbulent winds.

-everything you own may blow away…but if you are in a safe place you will be secure.

When a blizzard blows in – if you are in a warm secure place…you have no fear.

In the same way… When we put our trust in Jesus he becomes our shelter… our refuge…

-He can keep us safe from the storms and fears in life.

There is no safer place than a life secured and sheltered by the presence of God.

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Mayor G. (the mayor of NY, NY)

-Had his bomb shelter in the basement of the World trade tower.

-The shelter obviously became useless beneath the millions of tons of rubble.

The trade towers themselves were supposedly built to withstand a plane crash.

-The architect says that the problem was (in essence)…

“they did not factor in the unexpected intense heat of the burning fuel...or the well planned locations where the planes struck the towers.”

While we all greatly greave over the lost lives and destruction… it reminds us that even the safest places we create for ourselves can fail!

* There is a safe place for us, which will never be destroyed though…. “God is our refuge.”

-By putting our trust in Jesus we know that we will be safe from

· The storms

· The bombs

· The unexpected dangers of life.

B) Our Strength

The verse Also says God is our strength

-Refuge speaks of the place of safety God gives us

When David used the word Strength –

He is Speaking of the awesome power God gives us… not just to survive but to advance against our enemies.

It includes strength God gives us as the People of God Collectively and individually.

a) collectively:

Collectively God will give His people the power to advance against satan’s kingdom.

- Not just protection from Satan…. But

- Power to Overcome the devil!

Mat. 16:18b says,

“On this Rock I will build My church and the Gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

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When was the last time you were attacked by a gate?

-Gates do not attack any one!

·if the Gates of Hell will not prevail against the Church that means the Church is beating down the Gates of Hell!

Mat 16:18 – is an offensive verse not a defensive one!

Christ’s Church is built on a firm foundation which will not be shaken and God also gives His people—strength to advance against Hell!