"… God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and 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. Selah."
Psalm 46:1-3
Part 3
Yesterday:
“A very present help in trouble.”
Where are you in your need? God is there.
Today:
“Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”
“Therefore” – because of everything we know of God in verse one: He is my refuge, He is my strength, and He is always available for me. Therefore: “we will not fear!”
“‘Will not we fear.’ With God on our side, how irrational would fear be! Where he is all power is, and all love, why therefore should we quail?”[1] (Spurgeon).
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3).
“What time I am afraid – literally, ‘the day I am afraid.’ David did not hesitate to admit that there were times when he was afraid. He saw himself to be in danger, and he had apprehensions as to the result”[2] (Barnes).
David made the decision that he would fear God alone, and never those who would bring him trouble or harm.
“Though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” With some observation, we understand that the earth is in constant change, in turmoil. This is nothing new to us because this is what the Bible teaches us.
“Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end” (Psalm 102:25-27).
“Therefore will not we fear – Let what commotions will take place in the earth, we will trust in the all-powerful arm of God. Probably the earthquake referred to, here means political commotions, such as those mentioned under the title; and by mountains, kings or secular states may be intended”[3] (Clarke).
Believers, do we ever face political turmoil in our country? That seems to be a constant! Do we face times when everything we believe in, and hold dear to us, looks like they are in danger of being cast aside and trampled on by the “powers that be?” Very often! This is the kind of turmoil that David is alluding to, and yet he would not fear!
“Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident” (Psalm 27:3).
“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).
“Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”
Psalm 46, “… is suited to any time of trouble, when commotions and revolutions are occurring in the earth, and when everything sacred, true, and valuable seems to be in danger”[4] (Barnes).
“Do not fear My child, run to Me in your need, trust Me, to be providing what you need in your time of trouble.”
“Selah.”
Think about this!
[1] C.H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
[3] Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
[4] Albert Barnes, ibid.