God Is...

Have you ever felt that your world has been turned upside down? If not, fasten your seat belt because we can all expect suffering to various degrees in this life. Even in writing this, I just found out my wife has COVID while all of my kids likewise have symptoms. Though COVID has taken hold of my family once again, knowing who God is gives comfort and calm in the midst of circumstances filled with uncertainty. How we fill in the following blank makes all the difference in how we go through sickness, suffering, and deal with the effects of sin in this fallen world. How we fill in the blank may not change our present circumstances, but how we fill in the blank will have every implication upon our disposition and our response to our present circumstances—however overwhelming they may be at times. How would you complete this sentence: God is ______!

What we put in that blank reveals our understanding of who God is. A.W. Tozer wrote: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” While God does not change, what we believe about Him changes whether we run to Him or from Him in the circumstances of life. What we believe about God can lead us to either shake our fists at God in sinful anger or live in awe and learn to say “Amen!” whether the Lord gives or whether the Lord takes away. A right understanding of God leads to right living where anxiety is displaced with peace, despair is displaced with hope, cursing is displaced with compassion, and sorrow is turned to joy. What we believe about God is the most important thing about us because from the fountain of our faith, our behavior or worship flows. It is for this reason that we open the very Word of God in helping others, for ultimately what they need is to know God.

Psalm 46 is a wonderful text to encourage others with in the face of adversity, anxiety, or affliction. The well-known reformer James Montgomery Boice wrote: “Whenever the stress and pressures of life would become to severe, Martin Luther would say, ‘Come, Philipp, let’s sing the Forty-sixth Psalm.’ They would then sing Luther’s version, which we have come to know as 'A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.’”¹ In the first three verses of Psalm 46, we see…

The Calming Presence of God (Psalm 46:1-3) 

The Psalm starts off declaring “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…” Then we see in the rest of verses 2 and 3 that Israel praises God… even in the most extreme of situations. Notice the word “though,” which is used four times in describing circumstances of catastrophic proportions. Verses 2-3 say: 

though the earth gives way,

though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

These opening verses of Psalm 46 expose the frailty of mankind in the midst of catastrophes, chaos, and conflict, while also giving us a glimpse into who God is and the resulting calm, comfort, and confidence that God makes available to His covenant people. So consider this: What is our tendency when our world is turned upside down? Is there not a temptation to sinful fear, when we are suddenly reminded that we are not in control and that left to ourselves there is no real hope for our situation? Yet, that is the exact opposite of how God’s people respond in Psalm 46. Though their entire world be turned upside down, in verse 2 they conclude: “Therefore we will not fear!” That they would not “fear” means that they would not be overwhelmed with an anxious dread, even in the face of danger or difficulty. Living in fear of circumstances was irrational because: Where God is, so is all power on behalf of His people.

As with Israel, tragedies can come upon us and trials test us that far exceed our strength. Have you ever felt that your world has been turned upside down? In Psalm 46, when their world was in chaos, how could God’s people say “we will not fear”? According to verse 1, they would not fear because they knew “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

This profound truth is cause to pause and evaluate what we are actually believing about God and what we are functionally putting our trust in. How would you, at this very moment fill in this blank? ____ is my refuge and strength? When it comes down to it, if we are seeking refuge and stability in our bank accounts, in our health, in our performance or approval, then we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. The Psalmist declares that for the people of God, God is their refuge and strength.

Throughout the Psalms, God is referred to as a “refuge.” Psalm 62:7 says, "On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” Time and time again through the Old Testament God proved to be not only a refuge for His people, but also their “strength.” Psalm 59:16-17 declares, “But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”

Psalm 46:1 continues, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” What an encouraging emphasis! Not only was God present to help them, but God was a “very present help in trouble.” In trouble, or times of adversity and anguish, God is very present with His people. Charles Spurgeon comments on God’s being very present as he writes that God is:

more present than friend or relative can be, more present than even trouble itself. To this comforting truth is the consideration that He comes at the needed time. He is a friend in need and a friend indeed. He has been tried and proved, He never withdraws Himself from the afflicted, He is their help.

Psalm 145:18 emphasizes that “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” God is with His people, and as they acknowledge Him for Who He is, their fear of overwhelming circumstances is overcome by His omnipotent presence with them. God’s presence enables calmness in the face of calamity. To know Him in this way is to turn to Him without delay!

Moving to the next section, in Psalm 46:4-7 we see… 

The Comforting Protection of God (Psalm 46:4-7) 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

In the immediate context, the city of God is Jerusalem. While God is omnipresent, dwelling everywhere in the full essence of Who He is all the time, God chose to especially manifest His glory in Jerusalem at the temple. The manifestation of His glory is in part pictured for us in Psalm 46:4, which celebrates that “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.”

What is the river whose streams make glad the city of God? It is the comforting, calming, sustaining grace which flows from the Most High, whose very presence makes His people glad. Thus, John Calvin wrote: “although the help of God comes to our aid in a secret and gentle manner, like the still flowing streams, yet it imparts to us more tranquility of mind than if the whole power of the world were gathered together for our help.”

Though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, God’s people shall ultimately stand because “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns” (Psalm 46:5). God had made Jerusalem His special dwelling place in this time, so for enemies to overtake Jerusalem, they would have to overcome God Himself. Does any army stand a chance against God? Psalm 46:5 declares, “The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.” As God is greater than any army or affliction and upholds His people, His people cried out in praise: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah” (vv. 7, 11).

As we see throughout Scripture, God reigns supreme over all His creation with infinite power and with a an ultimate purpose. As God protected and preserved Jacob according to His redemptive covenant, so did he uphold the city of God. To have God as their fortress means they are protected by God’s supreme power, as God—through them—shows His steadfast love and glory to the nations as seen in Psalm 46:8-11.

The Comprehensive Power of God (Psalm 46:8-11)

As God’s power is infinite, He reigns supreme over all people and all things. Therefore in all things, all people should bow the knee to Him in awe and humble submission. To that end, in Psalm 46:8, we have the first command of the Psalm: “Come, behold the works of the LORD." We are often tempted to behold our circumstances and the workings of this world with anxious despair. Yet the command is to behold the LORD who works all things together for His glory and the good of His people! 

Psalm 46:8-10 goes on to say, “Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” When the Israelites were trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s mighty army, Moses said the following in Exodus 14:13-14: “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent (or be still).” You know the story, God parted the waters and His people went through on dry ground while the Lord wiped out Pharaoh’s entire army. Exodus 14:31 then concludes, "Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses.” From Adam to Noah to Abraham to Jacob to Moses to the prophets and kings, God’s people as well as the nations, had time and time again seen God’s power and covenant faithfulness displayed. Therefore, the refrain of Psalm 46:7 is repeated in verse 11 as Israel celebrates: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.”

Psalm 46 was a psalm of celebration, comfort, and holy confidence for those in the city of God, as it ought to be for Christ’s church today. God calls all people today to “come,” to “behold” who He is and what He has done, is doing, and will do.

As with Israel, tragedies can come upon us and trials test us that far exceed our strength. Have you ever felt that your world has been turned upside down? In addition to the moral and political chaos of our country, perhaps you are in a relationship that has turned sour, perhaps you’ve received a bad report from the doctor, or perhaps you’ve experienced the death of a loved one. In this fallen world there will be circumstances that will seek to overwhelm and destroy us. Therefore, how we fill in the following blank makes all the difference in the world. So what would you put in this blank: God is ________!

From Psalm 46, here are four of many timeless truths of who God is that should cause us to run to Him. In Christ…

(1) God is Our Refuge (vv. 1, 7, 11)

Psalm 46:1 starts out with the celebration that “God is our refuge.” Then the refrain in verses 7 and 11 concludes with “God… is our fortress.” Living near the fortress of Jerusalem would give peace of mind, for when an army approached they could flee to the fortress, to the city of God. Yet far greater than taking refuge in the city of God was to take refuge in the God of the city. Psalm 119:114, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” Only God is the believer’s tried and true refuge, an everlasting help in every kind of trouble. Since God is our refuge, let us always run to Him. God is not only our refuge according to Psalm 46:1, but also…

(2) God is Our Strength (vv. 1, 5)

Psalm 46:5 says the city of God “shall not be moved.” Though the mountains be thrown into the heart of the sea, God’s people are ultimately upheld by His infinite power. The Apostle Paul endured persecution, imprisonment, beatings, and being stoned, but he suffered these things with contentment and joy for the sake of Christ, for he had learned according to Philippians 4:13 that he could “do all things through him who strengthens me.” Since God is our strength, we should depend upon Him in all things. Not only is God our refuge and strength, but a third truth is that…

(3) God is Our Present Help (vv. 1b, 5, 7, 11)

Verse 1 says God is “a very present help in trouble.” Verse 5 says “God is in the midst of her… God will help her when morning dawns.” Verses 7 and 11 declare that “The LORD of hosts is with us.” In Christ, we are the temple of God, with the Spirit of God dwelling in us. Therefore, God is very present with us, helping us become more like His Son, even through the fiery furnace of affliction. Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” While believers are not exempt from times of distress and darkness, the light comes in the morning to those whom God is with. A fourth truth that should bring us comfort is that…

(4) God is Our Peace (vv. 2-3)

For believers, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” The result is, as verse 2 says, “Therefore we will not fear.” What is the opposite of fear or anxiety? Is it not peace? Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Philippians 4 tells that because the Lord is at hand, we should be reasonable rather than anxious, giving thanks in prayer as the God of peace provides the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, and will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” In conclusion, consider these words by Richard Phillips as he writes on Psalm 46 in light of Martin Luther’s Hymn, “A Might Fortress is Our God.”

Martin Luther realized his need for God’s protection, and he also realized that if God is with us, we truly have nothing to fear. But how was he sure that God was with him? The answer is found in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who came to this world to save and to protect all who come to him in faith. Luther knew that the greatest storm is the coming judgment of God at the end of history, when God’s wrath will lash out in unabated fury against all who have sinned and never repented. Such wrath is something truly to fear, and Luther knew that the only fortress strong enough to withstand it is the cross, where Jesus died to put away our sin and restore us to God’s love. He also knew that the Savior he found at the cross is strong enough to protect us from every storm.²

¹ James Montgomery Boice, Psalms, 3 vols. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1996), 2:388 as used by William Barrick.

² Richard Phillips, Psalms 42-72: Reformed Expository Commentary (P&R Publishing, 2019), 41-43.