Psalm 46 (CEB)

God is our refuge and strength,
    a help always near in times of great trouble.
That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart,
    when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea,
    when its waters roar and rage,
    when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Selah

There is a river whose streams gladden God’s city,
    the holiest dwelling of the Most High.
God is in that city. It will never crumble.
    God will help it when morning dawns.
Nations roar; kingdoms crumble.
    God utters his voice; the earth melts.
The Lord of heavenly forces is with us!
    The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah

Come, see the Lord’s deeds,
    what devastation he has imposed on the earth—
    bringing wars to an end in every corner of the world,
    breaking the bow and shattering the spear,
        burning chariots with fire.

10 “That’s enough! Now know that I am God!
    I am exalted among all nations; I am exalted throughout the world!”

11 The Lord of heavenly forces is with us!
    The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah


Reflection

This psalm is one of my favorites. When life feels different, changing or uncertain, I return to the words of the psalms, particularly this one. The scene 46 Psalm sets brings to mind great change within the landscape, with raging rivers, war and mountains crumbling. Perhaps we are afraid of the changes that we see or sense coming. Perhaps we just want to feel something that feels like normalcy and is familiar. Perhaps we just want calm. But know that even with incredible changes within our earth or our lives, Our Lord is always here! God is the constancy that remains.

Therefore, God is our safe space and our strength that even when our world seems to be crumbling, either literally or figuratively, God remains. But when “nations roar; kingdoms crumble,” God will say, when is enough. God will be there as the calm in the storm. So whatever may be, the Lord of heavenly forces is with us!

Therefore, although our existence may feel uncertain, we need not worry. We will not know when, but we must trust that whatever comes, God will be forever with us. Whatever comes, God remains. The God of Jacob is the same God who is our safe place, forevermore.

by Barbara Carlson


For Pondering & Prayer

When life feels uncertain or insecure, where do you seek your refuge? Which psalm or passage do you turn to?

Prayer: God of Jacob, You are the One who we know has been here all along. Help us to know that we are safe because of you. O God, you hold our futures. You are our rock and our refuge. Thank you for being our safe place. Amen.