Sons of Korah #4: Victory: Psalms 46
In Psalm 46, Stephen emphasizes God's role as our refuge and strength, especially in times of distress and chaos. Despite natural upheavals like earthquakes and mountains being moved, believers are encouraged not to fear because God is in the midst of His people, providing a river of life that makes glad the city of God. This river symbolizes the Spirit of life flowing from Christ, in whom believers abide. Stephen explains that believers, as redeemed virgins washed by the blood of Christ, must keep their chastity and remain in Christ to withstand temptations and maintain their spiritual purity. The song of victory, associated with Luther, highlights that God is a sure stronghold, a timely shield, and helper who sets us free from all harm, lifting spirits in times of difficulty. The psalm is divided into three parts: the tempest, the secret, and the calm of victory, each illustrating different aspects of God's protection and the believer’s trust. Stephen stresses the importance of abiding in Christ, who is our refuge and strength, and learning to be still in Him during trials. He concludes that trusting in God's presence and His power enables believers to overcome all challenges, emphasizing that the key is to commit ourselves fully to God's keeping, trusting that He will preserve us until the day of Christ.
Outline of Main Points
- God as refuge and strength in times of distress
- The river of life symbolizes the Spirit of Christ in believers and the church
- Believers are redeemed virgins, called to keep their chastity and purity
- Historical background of cities of refuge as a metaphor for Christ
- Objective truth (Christ’s work) vs. subjective experience (abiding in Christ)
- Importance of abiding in Christ to remain protected and pure
- God’s power as refuge and strength enables believers to conquer tribulations
- The lesson of being still and trusting God during trials
- Encouragement to fully commit to God's keeping, trusting His faithfulness
- Summary: The assurance that God is with us, able to keep us until the return of Christ
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
