A Song for the All Shook Up!

(Psalm 46)

Pastor Kelly Sensenig

My wife and I have observed a psychotic bird returning to our feeder everyday for the last month. I didn’t say “exotic” bird, but a “psychotic” bird. The bird sits on a perch and sees a reflection of itself in the glass. Then, it flies off its perch, hits the glass, and returns to its perch once again. It does this repeatedly, sometimes five minutes at a time, until we scare it away from the glass. The bird needs to be examined and taken to a bird clinic. I’m not sure what kind of bird it is, but I think it’s actually a doe doe bird!

As I think of this bird flying against the glass, a bird which seems to be all shook up, I’m reminded that many Christians live this way. We can begin to bang our heads against the glass from a spiritual perspective. We can become overwhelmed with life, the trying circumstances we are facing, and allow fear to overtake our hearts. As a result, we can become very shaky from a spiritual standpoint and overcome with fear. Are you all shook up? Is your life bent out of shape? If so, you must listen to the message of Psalm 46 and apply God’s truth to your life. How do we keep our lives from falling apart? How do we keep spiritual sanity when everything around us is falling apart and when our life is filled with suffering and despair? How do we keep ourselves from being overcome with fear, sorrow, and misery? How do we get up when we are down? What keeps us from falling over the edge and throwing in the towel? The answer lies in experiencing God’s protection and peace! Psalm 46 will reveal this to us in a very practical and dynamic way.

The message of this Psalm is unmistakably clear: God takes care of His children in the time of trouble. It is generally agreed by most expositors that the historical background of the Psalm is the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem when it was besieged by the Assyrian wolf and King Sennacherib. It seemed that all hope was lost for Jerusalem when the Assyrians came down to destroy the city and the people. However, God sent down and angel (one angel) to deal with the Assyrian army.

2 Kings 19:32-35 gives us the historical deliverance:

“Therefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the Lord. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake. And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand (185,000): and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.”

Only one angel and one night!  That is all it took. And the army was no more! 185,000 Assyrians lay dead on the ground! In response to God’s protection and safety this Psalm was written and then sung. We must remember that the Palms were the hymnbook of Israel. Psalm 46 reminds us that whenever disaster strikes in our lives, and when it seems that all hope is lost, that God is on our side. What seems like a total disaster to us is actually an opportunity for God to work in our lives and express His own loving care and protection to us during times of trouble.

At this particular time, when the Assyrians threatened the city, the people of Judah were tremendously conscious of God’s presence with them in a unique way. Are we conscious of God’s presence in our lives? Have we been practicing the presence of God in our lives? Is God real to us today? Not only in the time of trouble but in the daily routine of life?

Who will meet my needs and take care of me when everything is caving in and when life brings unexpected challenges and changes? It won’t be the positive thinkers of our day or the “seed faith” teachings of the Wealth and Health Movement that will help us through life’s difficulties. It won’t be secular therapies, soothing stories, and the sweet talk of politicians who say, “Everything will be okay.”

It can only be God and His sufficiency that calms my fears and meets my spiritual needs in life. It’s only God that can rescue me from defeat and a downcast spirit. Time and time again the Bible says; God is all we need!

2 Corinthians 3:5

“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.”

The inscription of this Psalm says that it’s “A Song for Alamoth,” which is a word that may refer to soprano voices. Psalm 46 is likely a wonderful soprano solo. It is not the country blues type of song, where a man whines and talks about losing women and drinking wine, but the hallelujah chorus in which we see the sufficiency of God, the security of God, and the supremacy of God! It was a song or hymn of praise commemorating the victory that the city of Jerusalem had over the invading Assyrian armies.

It is said of Luther that there were times during the dark and dangerous periods of the Reformation when he was terribly discouraged and depressed. But at such times he would turn to his friend and coworker Philipp Melanchthon and say, “Come, Philipp, let’s sing the forty-sixth Psalm.” What a song this is for each one of us today, who love God, and who are dependent upon Him to meet our deepest longings and needs. Let’s not only study it together; let’s sing it together and let God’s hymnbook touch our hearts.

The message of Psalm 46 is clear: God takes care of His children in the time of trouble. This is seen in two ways.

I. God protects His saints (vv. 1-3)

Notice:

 A. The explanation of God’s protection (vs. 1)

God’s protection is described as:

    1. Personal (“our refuge and strength”)

This is a personal note when the writer says that God is “our” refuge and strength. It’s God and me! We walk together in life and we should find in Him complete sufficiency for daily living. You see, Christianity is a personal relationship with God. It’s a one-on-one relationship with the Lord. We have a personal relationship with Him and receive of His power and strength in our own daily lives.  In times of trouble, we can count on God through our personal, daily walk with Him! Christians fail to trust God in their times of trouble, mainly because they know little about His sufficiency. They have not learned that He is sufficient to meet their every need in life and fulfill their deepest longings. He is “our” refuge and strength. Have you personally claimed His abiding help and strength for your life? Are you walking close to God and depending upon Him for daily help and assistance. Did you ever hear of a Christian atheist? Some Christians live like atheists! Do you know why? It’s because they have not developed their personal walk and dependence with God.

 2. Preserving (“refuge”)

God’s presence preserves us in the storms of life. This is because He becomes our place of “refuge” or shelter that keeps us safe and preserves our lives. God’s sheltering protects and preserves us through the storms of life. God is a stronghold or place of refuge where we can flee. He is a source of inner strength, which allows us to face the calamities of life, and also the temptations that the devil brings our way. We have a “refuge” (shelter) in God and He protects us from the devil’s allurements and life’s pressures by giving us His power and peace. He is our refuge!

Psalm 91:1

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

We must remember that sometimes God physically shields us from what is going on around us. At other times we are afflicted and do suffer. In other words, God does not always shield us from physical suffering. However, the Lord always promises to shield us spiritually from the events that we are passing though in life, which can harm us and distress us. In all situations of life, we still discover that God is our “refuge” – a shelter in the time of storm. He always protects and preserves us from a spiritually perspective and keeps our hearts from failing. This is why Martin Luther wrote the well-known and beloved words:

“A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he amid the flood

of mortal ills prevaling.

For still our ancient foe

doth seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.”

God is the One who gets us through life. Many people today base their security or “refuge” on money, family, friends, training, business connections, personal talents, specialized skills, and their education to see them through life. How foolish can we be! Let us never forget that God is the only One who is unshakable and trustworthy.

3. Powerful (“strength”)

What we need for daily living is unlimited strength and power to get us through life. I need divine power (God’s power) to give me ability, stability, and tranquility during life’s trials and tests. As we know, Psalm 46 was Martin Luther’s basis for the Reformation hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” As Luther reflected on the strength of God, he wrote: “We sing this psalm to the praise of God, because God is with us and powerfully and miraculously preserves and defends his church and his word against all fanatical spirits, against the gates of hell, against the implacable hatred of the devil, and against all the assaults of the world, the flesh and sin.”

The answer to victory and keeping your spiritual sanity in life is God’s power! Today, during the present dispensation, we have God’s power residing within us.

Philippians 2:13

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” 

4. Present (“present help”)

We live life in the present tense and God provides for us in the present tense. God is never late when it comes to assisting us and empowering us. He is a “very present help in trouble.” God is there! In fact, He was there all the time! Someone wrote:

“He was there all the time
He was there all the time
Waiting patiently in line
He was there all the time.”

Yes, God is a “very present help.” We don’t have to wonder if God will help us through our trials and tribulations. We can know that He is with us and ready to assist us at every moment. I’m reminded by this statement that Christianity is a daily matter – a moment by moment dependence upon God.

“Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that He doth not share,
Moment by moment, I’m under His care.”

B. The result of God’s protection (vv. 2-3)

   1. The result is given: “Therefore will not we fear.”

The banishment of fear in our lives is the blessed result of God’s protection. Think of it, when we allow the provision of God, which is His refuge, strength, and help, to sooth our soul and silence our fears in life, it’s then we are practicing the presence of God.

David knew about this when he wrote in the beloved Psalm 23:4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

God is the answer and antidote to fear. Our relationship with Him and reliance upon Him is all we need!

The great Scottish preacher John McNeill told that during his childhood he had to walk a long distance home every evening, and his route led through a forest with a large ravine.  Reports said that wild animals and gangs of robbers were often seen in that area.  Great fear would seize his heart as he made his way past the spooky- looking trees.  He recalled, "One night it was especially dark, but I was aware that something or someone was moving slowing and quietly toward me. I was sure it was a robber.  When a voice called out, its eerie tone struck my heart with fear.  I thought I was finished.  Then came a second call. This time I could hear the voice saying, 'John, is that you?' It was my father.  He had known of my fear and had come out to meet me."

We have a wonderful God that comes to meet us in the dark times of our lives. When everything seems scary – God is there! “Therefore will not we fear.” In other words, we will not be overcome by debilitating fear. Fear can cripple our lives. Fear can overtake our hearts and paralyze us from a spiritual perspective. But God’s refuge can deliver us from this type of plaguing and paralyzing fear. If we apply the provision of God to our lives (“our refuge and strength” – Ps. 46:1); we will not allow fear to overcome and destroy us.

Fear overtakes my heart when I refuse to place confidence in God’s provision for my life. When I fear, I am overcome with doubt, dread, and despair because of the circumstances that I am facing.

Psalm 56:3 (turn)

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”

I once saw a book that was titled: “Jesus, I’m scared.” The title strikes at the core of our heart since fear is part of our natural human response to difficulties and hard times. However, what we do with this human response will mean the difference between defeat and victory. Will we turn our fears over to the One who is our refuge and strength? Will we trust in God’s provision to give us grace and peace to pass through our difficult time? When we experience God’s provision for our lives we will not be overtaken by plaguing fear.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2. The illustration is given.

Our Psalm likens the troublesome times that we experience to the convulsions or upheavals of nature.

Psalm 46:2-3

“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.”

The language of this verse is obviously hyperbole or a figure of speech. Life’s difficulties are compared to the convulsions of nature. Using the figure of a catastrophic earthquake, the Psalmist describes how great the perils are that come into our lives. It was one way the writer could describe the experience of the Jews as they witnessed the besieging Assyrian armies surrounding Jerusalem.

The illustration is given of tremendous earthquakes that cause the “earth to be removed” and “the mountains to be carried into the midst of the seas” and the “waters thereof” to “roar and be troubled” (flood waters) and the “mountains to shake” illustrates just how difficult life’s trials can often be. The figure of the earth shaking, the mountains sliding into the seas, and the storm tossed seas picture a terrible disaster. These convulsions of nature represent the difficult times that we face in our lives. Life can shake us up at times! Life can become shaky around us! We can become overwhelmed and sense that the bottom drops out of our life. This is why Psalm 46 is a song for the all shook up!

It’s not a matter of “if” some shaking experience will come into our lives; it’s a matter of “when” it comes into our lives. One of us is next. Are you ready to rest in God’s sovereignty? The “shaking” experiences will come; however, it’s wonderful to contemplate that when everything seems to be moving, shaking, and changing around us, God does not change! His provision is sure since He is our refuge and strength! His presence, comfort, and power are all I need.

These poetic allusions of earthquakes destroying the earth and mountains teach some important lessons. Since the earth and mountains are regarded by men as symbols of stability, when they are destroyed, this normally results in great terror. However, the application to us is clear. When the most stable things in our lives become unstable, there should be “no fear” because of the strength stability that God brings into our lives.

“Selah.” This word in Psalm 46:3 is actually a technical musical term showing pause or interruption in a musical piece. In our Christian life, it means that we are stop, pause, and ponder what is being said! It’s as if the writers is saying, “There, what do you think of that!”

We need a few more “Selah” moments in our lives these days. We need to pause and ponder what God is saying to us from His Word. God isn’t in a hurry! However, we often are in a hurry and don’t meditate on God’s truth, and allow it to become manna to our soul. We need to pause and ponder about the provision we have been given to live free from debilitating fears.

When the famous author Robert Louis Stevenson was a little child, he accidentally locked himself in his room and couldn't get out.  As darkness came on, he became terror-stricken.  Fear overtook his heart. When his father was unable to open the door, he sent for a locksmith; but while he waited, he talked to his son through the keyhole. Hearing his dad's soothing conversation and knowing he was there was all young Robert needed. In a similar way, God is all we need. His provision of strength and help is available to us on a constant and daily basis.

Psalm 34:4

“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

A large old Bible, frequently used by Abraham Lincoln during the critical years of the Civil War, falls open easily to the 34th Psalm.  If you examine that page, you will note that it is smudged at one spot.  It seems obvious that the long, tapering fingers of the great emancipator often rested heavily on the fourth verse (Psalm 34:4), which reads:  "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Lincoln had obviously come to realize that God is a mighty refuge.  The awareness of His presence had undoubtedly garrisoned the President's heart during his most severe difficulties and trials.

II. God provides for His saints (vv. 4-11)

In our second major point of our study, we once again recognize that God takes care of His children in the time of trouble. This is seen in His provision for their lives.

God’s provision is seen in three ways:

     a. Supply (“There is a river” - 4)

The “river whose streams shall make glad the city of God” (Ps. 46:4) may allude to the tunnel (underground water system) that King Hezekiah built to guarantee a continuous water supply for Jerusalem in times of war.

2 Chronicles 32:30 records:

“This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon, and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works.”

The reference to the “river” could also mean that the very presence of God in Jerusalem was similar to that of a refreshing life-giving river. We can’t be sure. I’m inclined to think this is a literal reference to the water supply for Jerusalem. No matter which way we understand this river, we know that it represents God’s supply for His children. God gives us the strength that we need to make it through our difficult and trying circumstances. Through the presence of God, the power of God, and the promises of God we have His unending aid and assistance. There is a river! Thank The Lord.

Of course, many Psalms also have prophetic overtones attached to them. They often depict an historical fulfillment but also look ahead to a future fulfillment. Psalm 46 definitely does this as it looks ahead to the Millennial Kingdom and the peace that Jesus Christ will bring on earth, when He returns as the King. Therefore, the “river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God” is also looking ahead to the river that will flow forth from Jerusalem during the Millennial Kingdom and bring refreshing water to the people of God.

Zechariah 14:8-9

“And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.”

In the coming day, the Jewish people of God will experience God’s supply of water in the earthly Jerusalem and also enjoy the presence of God with them in the person of the King Himself – Jesus Christ. So there is a historical and prophetic fulfillment to this Psalm. However, there is a practical application of this Psalm to our lives today.

There are two important details about God’s supply.

      1. The result of God’s supply = gladness (“glad” – 4a)         

Historically speaking, we can be sure that the river which carried water from the Gihon spring outside the city to a cistern inside the walls brought great joy to the people of God. So when the invading Assyrian armies besieged Jerusalem, the unstoppable stream of water made the whole city glad. As the water continued to flow into Jerusalem, even during the invasion of the Assyrians, it made “the city of God” (Jerusalem) glad and the people were filled with overflowing joy.

In a similar way, God makes His own people (saints) glad and joyful through His continuous provision during the times of trouble. His protection, care, and strength that He gives to us flows like a river into our lives and it’s a river that will never run dry. It’s also a river that produces great joy and gladness in our souls during the difficult seasons of our lives. Oh be glad!! Are you sad today? Why are you sad and overcome with sorrow?

Psalm 42:11 asks this very question:

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”

Be glad!! In other words, discover God’s joy in the midst of your difficult times. Experience God’s inner joy.

Psalm 31:7

“I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities.”

Psalm 64:10

“The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.”

God supplies our every need and this is comparable to a continual flow of water (Ps. 46:4). Like a running river, God’s grace has no limit. He continually supplies us, sustains us and satisfies us during the down times and difficult situations we face in life. This in return, produces gladness in life and overflowing joy. Grace brings gladness into our lives! When you see a Christian who is experiencing inner joy and gladness, you can be sure that grace is at work in his life.

     2. The place of God’s supply (“tabernacles of the most High” – 4b)

Since God abode or tabernacled in Jerusalem the city enjoyed great security. There is a very important lesson to learn from this as we move from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. In the past, God made His tabernacle of dwelling place in Jerusalem, but today He tabernacles or abides within our hearts. God in us is the place of provision!

Philippians 2:13 is worth repeating:

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

God is working in us today and He is identified as “the most High” This is a reference to God who sits on the throne of the universe as Creator, Sustainer, Supreme Authority, and Life Giver to all. It takes the Highest to intercede for the lowest! I need to go straight to the top to receive help for my daily living and as I face trouble.

Hebrews 4:16

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

Cannot the “most High” God meet all of our needs and solve all of our problems in life? I can’t go any higher than God. I can’t get passed God. There is no one else and nothing else greater than Him, higher than Him, and stronger than Him.

  b. Stability (“shall not be moved” – vs. 5)

The fact that the city “shall not be moved” speaks of stability. When something can’t be touched, it’s because it’s stable and strong. As God protected Jerusalem against the invading Assyrian hordes, so He protects us against the fears, which seek to invade our lives. As a result, we can have stability in life. This means we can remain stable instead of being vulnerable to Satan’s attacks and life’s pressures. We can live life without going under. Many Christians live a roller coaster life. They are up and down. They don’t have very much stability simply because they are not relying on God’s personal supply for their lives. As a result, they possess the “roller coaster syndrome.” Is this a picture of your life today? If so, you can stop the roller coaster ride by practicing the presence of God and relying on Him to meet all your daily needs.

Why can we remain stable in life?

   1. Because God is with us (“God is in the midst of her”)  

I don’t believe in deism. This philosophy teaches that God is not really involved with the affairs of this life. I don’t find this teaching in my Bible. I find that “God is in the midst of her.” Since God is with us, we are on the winning team. God is with us! This makes all the difference.

“My God and I go in the field together;
We walk and talk as good friends should and do;
We clasp our hands, our voices ring with laughter;
My God and I walk through the meadow's hue.
We clasp our hands, our voices ring with laughter;
My God and I walk through the meadow's hue.”

God is with us!

   2. Because God will help us (“God shall help her”)

We are a needy people. We need God’s assistance. He is with us, so He can help us. He is with us, so He can sustain us. When we come to the end of our resources, it’s then that we begin to know His resources. And God’s resources are without measure. When it comes to God’s help, He gives, and He gives, and gives again!

God did help Jerusalem when the morning dawned (v. 5 “right early”), for the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers and sent Sennacherib home (Isa. 37:36).

Psalm 5:3

“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”

Because God is with us and helps us along in life, we can remain stable. We don’t have to drift and lose our way. Since God is a constant companion, we can be consistent in our daily walk.

   c. Success - victory (vv. 6-11)

Psalm 46:6-11 reveals the victory that we have because God is on our side. We are victors – not victims!

Our victory is illustrated in three ways:

     1. God rescues His saints (vs. 6)

Psalm 46:6 states:

“The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.”

The “heathen raged” means that the nations raised their fury against Jerusalem but God interceded and brought victory for His saints (“the kingdoms were moved, he uttered his voice, the earth melted”). When the Assyrians, along with other various nations and peoples that the Assyrians had conquered, lifted themselves up in opposition to God and Israel, the Lord overthrew them. The Bible says that His mighty word caused the “kingdoms” to be “moved” and the earth to melt (“the earth melted”), which are figurative descriptions depicting the awesome power of God in defeating His enemies. He knocked their socks off! The same will be true when Jesus returns as the King to earth in order to rescue His beloved people – the nation of Israel.

Revelation 19:15-16

“And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

God knows how to rescue His saints!

2 Peter 2:7

“And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked.”

We are assured of the victory!

2 Corinthians 2:14 says:

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

If you are living in defeat today, you are living beneath your privileges. God has made a way for His children to escape temptation and pass through the trials and tests of life.

1 Corinthians 10:13

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

   2. God reassures His saints (vv. 7-11)

In these verses, God reassures His saints of their victory. God’s presence and power is the reassurance we need of our victory. Why look anywhere else? We are on the victory side!

God reassures His saints of the victory:

      a. With His presence (vs. 7)

Psalm 46:7

“The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

He repeats the same message in Psalm 46:11: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” The word “refuge” in these verses is different than in verse one. It refers to a defense, stronghold, or fortress. This provides us with great assurance. The God of all the angelic hosts of Heaven is with us. The Creator and Leader of the angelic beings of Heaven, the great God of all creation and the universe is our companion in life. He is by our side, waiting to help us through our perils and problems that we face in life. Selah! Now what do you think of that!

William McDonald wrote:

“The One who is infinitely high is also intimately nigh.”

    b. With His power (vv. 8-9)

Psalm 46:8-9

“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.”

Of course, this event happened on a local level and throughout the known inhabited earth, when God destroyed the Assyrian soldiers, who were invading Israel. However, the teaching of this verse leaps the centuries and also envisions the end times, when Jesus Christ will return as the King of Kings to planet earth and destroy the armies of Armageddon (Rev. 19:17-20) and bring peace to a war-stricken world for 1,000 years (Rev. 20:1-3). What a glorious day it will be!

Micah 4:3 declares:

“And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

The message is clear. God is a God of victory! But the good news is this; we too can share in God’s victory, just as He gave victory to the Jews over the Assyrians and someday when He returns as the King to once again give them victory over their enemies. We can possess victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil. We can have victory through our problems, heartaches, and difficulties. We don’t have to live like spiritual paupers and misfits!

“Come, behold the works of the Lord.” When we see God, as the great Victor, we also can know that the victory is ours, since the Lord is the One who gives us the victory. He works the victory through our lives.

1 Corinthians 15:57

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 6:10

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

It’s only through the God’s power and strength that we can live victoriously. In other words, it’s the Lord working in us and through us that brings the victory into our lives. We have no victory outside of His power. We are losers without Him and winners with Him! Let us never forget we are on the victory side!

“On the victory side

On the victory side!

No foe can daunt me,

No fear can haunt me

On the victory side!”

c. With His peace (vv. 10-11)

Psalm 46:10-11

“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.”

These are some of the most beloved verses in the Bible. I have several wall plaques that have beautiful scenery and contain the words of Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.” In essence, this statement means to rest in God’s purpose and plan. To be still speaks of resting in God, or experiencing inner peace, as God works out His ways and will in connection with our lives.

How do we experience peace?

  1. We relax in God’s sovereignty – “Be still and know that I am God.”  

This is the secret of everything! It’s a call to live life on a peaceful plain. Being still and knowing God are linked together. The Hebrew construction “be still” literally means “to sink down and relax” and connotes someone who is resting and quiet. I’m getting the picture of someone resting in a Lazy Boy chair. It is someone who is experiencing inner calmness and tranquility of soul, as they rest in God’s sovereign purpose for their lives.

In 2 Kings 19:19, King Hezekiah prayed for deliverance from the Assyrians: “Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only.”

The word “know” (Ps. 46:10) means to understand and perceive who God is (character) and what He is doing (course of events). Stillness or rest comes from knowing God. Many times “stillness” before God and “knowing” God is the result of meditation, reflection, worship, and personal quiet time with the Lord. We pause and ponder remembering who God is and what He is doing. Sitting quietly before the Lord and meditating upon His greatness, glory, promises, and sovereignty over our lives is both a resting and rewarding experience. As we meditate on God, we get to “know” Him experientially and yield to His sovereign works in the world and in connection with our own personal lives. Our time of meditation and worship before the Lord brings a  fresh revelation of His character to our hearts (Ps. 104:34) and allows us to accept His sovereign purposes for our lives (Rom. 8:28). In our times of “stillness” we get to know God experientially but we also yield to Him and His way for our lives.

In this context, to “know” who God is and what He is doing is best explained in the following words: “I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” This was true historically, when He wiped out the heathen Assyrian solders coming against Jerusalem, but it will also be true on a greater and far vaster scale, when He returns and destroys the millions of soldiers in the land of Palestine, and becomes the exalted King over planet earth. God was exalted over the Assyrians and in the days to come He will once again be exalted over all mankind when He rules and reigns with a rod of iron (Rev. 19:15; Isaiah 11:4-5).

Yes, we must learn the secret of being “still” (experiencing peace and inner tranquility of soul) as we meditate upon God’s character (who God is) and His course of action (what God does). In short, we find rest for our souls when we come to know that God always does what is right for our lives.

Exodus 14:13 declares:

“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.”

Beloved, we can find rest or stillness in the work that  God chooses to do with our personal lives. We can experience peace, when we know that God is in charge of what is happening around us and with us. We must learn the secret of resting in God’s sovereign will and whatever He chooses to bring to pass in connection with our own lives. There are no accidents in life; only divine appointments!

“I will be exalted among the heathen.” This is God’s work. Can you be still and find rest in this? Surely! But how about when God quietly says, “I want you to experience cancer, a heart attack, or hearing problem for my glory.” Can you rest in this sovereign work of God? Can you “be still” (experience peace) in the other “I will” things that God wants to do with your life? What if God says, “I will allow you to experience a car accident, I will allow you to suffer financially, I will allow you to have a handicap child, I will allow you to have a broken heart and pass through the deep waters.”

The Scripture is saying we must “be still” (rest and relax) in whatever God is doing in the world, with our personal lives, and the lives of others. It’s one thing to be still, but it’s another thing to “be still and know that He is God,” which means to know that He is in charge, and to know that whatever He does is right and in keeping with His character and sovereign plan for our lives. When we rest in God’s sovereign purpose for our lives, or what He is doing with us, it’s then we have discovered a very important secret.

Have you found stillness or rest in what God has been doing with your life? Where has God placed you? What has God been doing with your life? What are you experiencing in your life right now? Are you finding stillness and rest in the places, people, and events which God has allowed to come into your life? Are you resting in those things which God has allowed to cross your path? The “still” person is someone who finds peace and calmness in God’s purpose and plan for his life (Ps. 37:1-8), even when that plan may include suffering. “Be still and know that I am God.” I can be still when I “know” that God is in charge of what is going on around me and with me, and because God always does what is right and best for my life (Ps. 34:8).

“Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change he faithful will remain.”

Take heart my dear brother and sister. God is good (Ps. 100:5), God is in charge (Ps. 135:6), and God will always faithfully provide for His children (Ps. 34:10). Since this is true, every fear can be stilled and every anxiety quieted. His people can relax or be still because God’s refuge is sure and His sovereign purpose is always good and right.

Florence Wills wrote:

“Be still, the morning comes,

The night will end;

Trust thou in Christ thy Light,

Thy faithful Friend.

And know that He is God,

Whose perfect will

Works all things for thy good:

Look up—Be still.”

I was driving on the road the other day and was approaching a squirrel that was in the middle of the road. The squirrel didn’t know what to do. It was nervously moving to the right and then to the left. It went in circles and stood up before it finally got out of the way of my approaching car. The fidgeting squirrel reminded me of someone who was all shook up! Is this a picture of you? We can move about with fear and sense that we are about to go down with the ship. But God is calling us to a higher way of living. He summons us, “Be still and know that I am God.” In essence, God is saying, “Relax and stay calm. I’m in charge.” Stop fretting and fidgeting; stop panicking and parading about like a chicken with your head cut off.

“Be still and know that I am God.” I experience peace and tranquility when I rest in God’s person (who He is) and His purpose (what He does). For instance, I know that God is the Creator, when I see the beauty of a sunrise and sunset. I know that God is a loving and merciful God, when I reflect upon what the Bible says about Him, and when I experience these blessings in my personal life. But I also know that God is sovereign when He allows pain, suffering, and heartache to come into my life. I can know that He has allowed all the events of my life to transpire in order to fulfill His perfect plan for my life. Peace in God’s purpose is what Psalm 46:10 is talking about. Stillness in sovereignty is the secret to peaceful living. In fact, stillness and sovereignty are inseparably bound together. “Be still (serenity) and know that I am God (sovereignty).” God wants us to “be still” during the tragedies, tests, and tribulations that we face in life, as we accept by faith that He is sovereign in His working and ways, and bringing His perfect plan to pass for our lives (Rom. 8:28). The sooner we learn to accept, by faith, the working of divine providence, the sooner we will experience peace.

Isaiah 26:3

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Are you trusting Him today?

  2. We recognize God’s presence (vs. 11)

Psalm 46:11

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

Selah! Now what do you think of that! God’s presence and refuge also brings blessed peace and tranquility of soul into our lives. If God be for us, who can be against us! This brings peace to our souls.

Elisabeth Elliot suffered the loss of two husbands. The first, Jim Elliot, was killed by Auca Indians in Ecuador while trying to reach them with the gospel. The second, Addison Leitch, was slowly consumed by cancer. In relating what these experiences were like, she referred to Psalm 46, saying that in the first shock of death “everything that has seemed most dependable has given way. Mountains are falling, earth is reeling. In such a time it is a profound comfort to know that although all things seem to be shaken, one thing is not: God is not shaken.” She added that the thing that is most needful is to do what the psalmist said, “be still and know that God is God.”

Friend, God is God, whether we recognize it or not! But it comforts us, and provides strength and peace to our souls, to “know” by faith that God always does what is best and right for our lives. Are you being still in God – His ways, purposes, and plans for your life? Are you resting in His right to rule your days and do with your life as He pleases? Have you been accepting, by faith, what God allows to happen in your life? Believe in God’s purpose for your life, let God be God, and find rest for your soul. 

“Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.”