Psalm 46: 1-7 - This Psalm is appointed for
Reformation Sunday. The key verse is
verse 7. The
LORD of hosts is with us; the God of
Jacob is our fortress.
The words of this
Psalm have been a great source of comfort and strength for many of God’s
people. They have been read on the deathbed of a dying Christian. They have
been prayed on the battle field and in a hospital ward.
The Lord of hosts is with us (compare this with 2 Chronicles 15:2; 2 Chronicles 20:17; Isaiah 8:8, 10). This is the ground of assurance. Our God, Jehovah, is "the Lord of hosts" - one who has countless angels at his command (2 Kings 6:16, 17; Psalm 68:17; Matthew 26:53). And he is "with us" - on our side, ready to help. The God of Jacob is our Refuge; i.e. our covenant God, the God who entered into covenant with our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
We are safe in God. His people will find safety when they trust in Him. The fear of the mountains or city suddenly crumbling into the sea as the result of a nuclear blast haunts many people today. But the psalmist says that even if the world ends, we don’t need to fear. God is our refuge in any circumstance (v. 7).
What do I do when a crisis strikes in my life? Do I try to work through it myself? Do I go to some person that I know? Or do I just turn it over to the Lord Jesus?
Always remember that God is your refuge and my strength. He is the Lord of hosts. He is always with you.
Collect for Psalm 46: Lord God, our
refuge and strength, when the restless powers of this world and the waters of
hell rise up against Your Holy City, watch over it and keep it safe. By the
river that flows form the throne of the Lamb, purify this New Jerusalem as Your
chosen dwelling for You are with us, our stronghold now and forever.[1]
[1] For All the Saints A Prayer Book for and By the Church Vol.
II © 1995 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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