Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Psalm 46 Devotional

Refuge When the Earth Gives Way

“For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”Psalm 46:1 (BSB)

Psalm 46 imagines the worst. The earth changes, mountains topple into the sea, waters roar and foam (46:2-3). Nations rage and kingdoms crumble (46:6). Yet the psalm begins by declaring that God is his people's shelter and strength, always near to help in trouble, and so they will not fear (46:1-2).

In the middle of the chaos, a river brings gladness to the city of God. God is within her, and she will not be moved (46:4-5). Twice the refrain declares that the LORD of armies is present with his people and is their stronghold (46:7, 46:11). Then God himself speaks, telling everyone to stop striving and recognize that he is God, the one who will be exalted over all the earth (46:10). That stillness is not calm because nothing is happening. It is the stillness of people who have stopped fighting for control because God reigns. He makes wars cease and breaks the weapons of the nations (46:9). Whatever is shaking around you, the One who is with you is not shaken.

To think about: What would it look like for you to stop striving for a moment today and recognize that God is God?

About Psalm 46: God Our Refuge and Fortress

A Korahite psalm declares that God is His people's refuge, so they need not fear even if the earth itself is shaken. His presence keeps His city secure while nations rage, and God, who ends wars, calls for stillness and for all the earth to acknowledge Him as God.

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