Psalm 46:1-11
Q.1. Can God’s people avoid trouble? How turbulent may life become? Will our enemies prevail? Of what can we be certain? Why is this so? What is God’s ultimate agenda for the nations? – (Ps.46:1-11)
God is always sovereign Lord over all our circumstances. Why, then, did the Psalmist draw attention to God as being his refuge and strength in times of trouble? It is because, sadly, we can often forget Him in the good times. However, there is nothing like trials or opposition to drive home the reality of God’s protection over us. The Psalmist confirmed that we all suffer trials and trouble, but – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps.46:1). He described the cataclysmic events of nature that we may have to endure, yet –we will not fear (Ps.46:2-3). The reason is that God is in the midst of His people, especially the city of God (Ps.46:4-5). For that reason, the city – will not be moved (Ps.46:5). The godless around us may rage against us, but God only needs to use a little of His firepower to put down all opposition to His purposes. They cannot win. Why? Because – The Lord of hosts is with us (Ps.46:6). He is Commander-in-Chief of all of Heaven’s armies. This has been borne out by history. In time God will usher in a reign, where all – wars will cease to the ends of the earth (Ps.46:9). There are constant attacks on righteousness, which may disturb us for a season, but the advice of the Psalmist is – Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth (Ps.46:10). God will complete His purpose and be exalted among the nations one way or another. He comforted Israel, as he concluded – The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold (Ps.46:11).
N.B. In Psalm 45, the focus is upon the King and His Bride. This really will have its ultimate fulfilment with the Wedding Feast of the Lamb (Rev.19:9-11). Since – the Word of the Lord endures forever (Isa.40:8; 1 Pet.1:25) Psalm 46 will also have its ultimate fulfilment at the Millennial Reign of Christ: (i) The earth will be totally re-landscaped during the Great Tribulation (Ps.46:2-3 c.f. Rev.16:17-21); (ii) In the millennium there will be a refreshing river and God will be in the midst of them (Ps.46:4-6 c.f. Ezk.47:1-12; 48:35); (iii) After the persecution of the Great Tribulation, God will bare His mighty arm, and be exalted among the nations (Ps.46:6-10 c.f. Zech.14:1-9).