God is our refuge and strength, 
a very present help in trouble. 
(2) Therefore will not we fear, 
though the earth be removed, 
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 
(3)Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Selah.

Psalm 46:1-3

Explanation

We begin this week in Psalm 46, a beautiful song obviously written by some warrior poets. The psalm is attributed to “the sons of Korah”, which is more like a dedication. These are not the author but to whom it was received.

The them is given immediately. The capacity that these people had, especially in battle, and certainly in life, was really nothing in comparison to the Lord. The strength, safety and hope that they had was not ultimately in military might. There refuge and strength is the Lord.

Verse 2 gives a “therefore”. Think “because this is true”, or “on this basis”, when you read “therefore”. What follows is the implication of what has been stated. What is that implication? “We will not fear.” Because God is our refuge, God is our strength, and God is a very present help in trouble, we will not fear.

This is an obvious expression of both faith in God, and experience with God. They are counseling themselves into putting their trust in where it should be- God!

In the English you see the word “though” 4 times.

• “though the earth be removed”
• “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”

As I read these 4 expressions, I don’t see 4 described events but one. Imagine a mountain, and every person, animal, house, and building on it, being picked up and then dropped into the middle of the ocean. Imagine then the waters creating a tidal wave that shakes the rest of the mountains that were left behind. This kind of epic destruction would of course be the kind of cataclysmic event sufficient to produce all kinds of fear. Yet this kind of highly impactful, incredible circumstance could be endured by the psalmist who says that God is our refuge. He says that they will not let fear drive them even in the most extreme circumstances because God is his strength, help, safety and refuge.

Application

It doesn’t happen all of the time, but there have certainly been seasons of my life that felt personally as cataclysmic as the ones described. Relationship problems, financial problems, potential political and social issues all threaten and cause fear. They can certainly feel like someone is tossing mountains- places where we establish our lives and put our trust. We lose our job. Our kids get sick. Someone is lying about us and harming our reputation, and it feels like no small thing. “What-ifs” plague our mind and do havoc to our stomachs. What do we need to remember in these “tossed mountain” moments?

God is our refuge and strength- a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we shall not fear.

How is he a very present help? 

• You can pray to Him. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
• You can trust in Him. Nothing can seperate you from the love of God. You are sealed unto the day of redemption. Even when your mountain is tossed, you can survive in Christ. Even if your life is taken, eternity with the Lord will be better than anything we can ask or think.

Response

God, help me to remember that you are my refuge, strength, help and safety. My money isn’t. Other people cannot be for me what you are. Help me to remember that and trust in you today.