Psalm 46
In light of all the chaos surrounding the days of exile, the writer of this psalm remembers that the real source of security, protection, and solace comes through placing trust in God alone. The psalmist begins, "God is our refuge and our strength who is our ever present help in time of trouble" (46:1). The original language here suggests that God is abundantly available to help us in our time of need by providing a safe refuge, or hiding place from the storms of life. The writer argues that God is our refuge and strength, even if cataclysmic events happen on earth to threaten the very foundations of the cosmos. "Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake" (Psalm 46:2-3). Whatever the threat, the writer reminds the people, God is their refuge.
Second, the psalmist locates our true home in God. The psalmist describes the city of God--the place of God's presence--as a heavenly city with rivers of joy, where the streets are safe, and the God of the universe is near day and night. "God is in the midst of this city; she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns" (46:5). This city is our real home, our real place of refuge and security, and nothing in heaven or on earth can violate it! When we find our home in God, we traverse the ups and the downs of our lives, ever in the shelter of God's presence, our secure dwelling place.
Third, the psalmist teaches that since God is in control over the earth, we can cease striving and rest. The psalmist reminds us to rest in the promise that God will be exalted among the nations, and God will be exalted in the earth. As we recognize our true home with God, we reveal the rest and security that inhabits a city-of-God kind-of-life even in the midst of the storm. Our refuge and our strength are with God.
Finally, the psalmist emphasizes God's overarching care by repeating the refrain, "The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our stronghold" (46:7). Jacob wrestled with God and had tangible evidence of God's strong hold upon him. God had a hold of Jacob, but Jacob also had a hold on God. The psalmist doesn't want us to miss this powerful image: God has a strong grip on each one of us, a grip so strong that none of the most potent forces unleashed on us can loose that grip. Yet, we too must cling to God for our safety and security. When we place our trust in other things or people, we lose our grip on God. God will wrestle us out of trusting in anything else, in order to reveal our true, homeland security. "Cease striving and know that I am God" (46:10).
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