"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we 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 2
Yesterday we saw that with our God, we never need to fear!
“God is our refuge and strength,”
“A very present help in trouble.”
“Therefore will not we fear,”
Today, will these events cause you to fear? Or, will you trust your God?
“Though the earth be removed,”
Even though the earth might be changed. Regardless of what might rock our world, we trust in the “all-powerful arm of God.” These changes can be representing political upheaval on the earth, earthquakes in the governments of the earth.
“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,” (Psalm 102:26).
Believers, even though these convulsions move the earth, we shall not fear, but we will trust in the LORD.
“And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;”
In our world, the most stable, unmovable things are the mountains. We cannot imagine the solid mountains sinking down into the heart of oceans. Surely, mountains are enduring! The psalmist is pointing out that there is nothing on earth that is not changing. And in our lives there are rock solid things we think will never be moved, but even if they do change, our trust will be in our God.
“Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,”
Roaring waters are “troubled,” boiling, roiling, churning waters. This reminds me of the ocean during the typhoons being churned up by the storm surge and winds. The agitation of the waters is dangerous. Many a sailor has lost his life in stormy seas. Even if the waters of the earth are boiling in their trouble, we will not fear for our God will keep us safe in Him.
“Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.”
“The word rendered ‘swelling’ means properly majesty, glory; then pride, haughtiness, insolence. Literally, ‘though the mountains tremble through their pride,’”1 (Barnes).
“Then the proud waters had gone over our soul,” (Psalm 124:5).
Whether it is the mountains or the waters of the earth that are out of place and threaten us, we will trust in our God.
“Selah.”
Now give this some serious thought. What is it that brings fear to your heart? Confess to the Lord your lack of trust, and cling to Him. He is your “refuge and strength.”
1. Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.