God Is Within Her

Psalm 46's title says it is For the Chief Musician, By the sons of Korah, according to Alamoth. It is a song of confidence in God during chaos. It begins, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The writer imagines the worst possible disaster, with the earth changing, mountains shaken into the heart of the seas, waters roaring, and mountains trembling. Yet the people say, Therefore we won't be afraid. Fear is answered not by calm circumstances but by God's presence.

The scene shifts from the stormy sea to a peaceful river. There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, the holy place of the tents of the Most High. God is within her. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn. The nations raged and kingdoms were moved, but he lifted his voice and the earth melted. The refrain rings out: Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. In the New Testament, Revelation pictures a river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God (Revelation 22:1).

Finally the psalm invites everyone to look. Come, see Yahweh's works. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear. Then God speaks directly: Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted on the earth. To be still is to stop striving and trust God. The psalm ends where it began, with the refrain: Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.