God’s Presence Makes Zion Secure
April 1, 2021
Commentary
God is both a defense and an offense for His people (v. 1). He protects them and fights for them. This is the meaning of “refuge and strength.” The Psalmists describes landslides, earthquakes, ocean storms and floods (vv. 2-3). Yet no matter what happens, those trusting in God are safe. While other nations were boasting of their security in castles with high walls and iron gates perched on high mountain cliffs, Israel was in a safer position than any of them. God was “her refuge and her strength.” God’s presence is portrayed like a peaceful flowing river. In actuality, no river flows by Jerusalem. Its water comes only from two springs, Gihon and En-Rogel. The reference here is to the river of God’s grace (v. 4). Ever since the Garden of Eden, God has a river to bring peace to His own. The nations rose up in fury against God’s people, but all to no avail (vv. 5-6). God’s mighty power “melts” the nations that roar against Him. God’s people will find safety when they trust in Him. The psalmist says that even if the world ends, we don’t need to fear; God is our refuge in any circumstance (v. 7).
The citizens of Jerusalem have been invited to view the remains of their enemies that they may see the mighty power of God in their behalf (v. 8). He had destroyed His enemy (v. 9). All the offensive weapons of the enemy were destroyed by the power of God’s might. The Psalmist exhorts the saints to observe the mighty deeds of God which show how God brings peace to His people. The command is to let go and let God do the work (vv. 10-11). It is so easy for us to get in the way, even when we have the best of intentions. What joy is brought to our hearts when we are confronted with a problem which doesn’t seem to have any solution, and yet God works it out for our good. If we fail to look at God and His Word, or fail to seek His face in prayer, He will seem smaller and weaker in our view. On the other hand, the more we study about Him and pray the more He will help us and the more we will know He is God. Our stress does not need to become distress. When we feel stress, we do not have to feel defeated and give in to the temptation to give up and run. With the full understanding of our heavenly Father’s care, we will be able to walk through the worst of circumstances with quietness (Gal. 5:22) and complete confidence (Heb. 13:6).
Application
What do I do when a crisis strikes in my life? Do I try to work through it myself, do I go to some person that I know, or do I just turn it over to the Lord? God wants to be my refuge and my strength.
Psalms 46:1–11 (NET)
1 God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble.
2 For this reason we do not fear when the earth shakes, and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,
3 when its waves crash and foam, and the mountains shake before the surging sea. (Selah)
4 The river’s channels bring joy to the city of God, the special, holy dwelling place of the Most High.
5 God lives within it, it cannot be moved. God rescues it at the break of dawn.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms are overthrown. God gives a shout, the earth dissolves.
7 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is on our side. The God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Selah)
8 Come, Witness the exploits of the Lord, who brings devastation to the earth.
9 He brings an end to wars throughout the earth. He shatters the bow and breaks the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
10 He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God. I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is on our side! The God of Jacob is our stronghold! (Selah)
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