Psalm 46—Be Still and Trust Your Very Present Help

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Need I say more? If you’re walking an unwanted journey, you understand the phrase “very present help.” You recognize your very real need. Don’t sugarcoat the loss; embrace it. I’ve described his promised attention to my need as every morning mercies. Sufficient grace. Surpassing peace. But you won’t experience it if you refuse to humble yourself.

Very present. Be still.

However, the offer of a refuge is of no value to you unless you turn to the refuge and enter it. Faith. Trust. Action. Faith with works. James 2:26 says, “…faith apart from works is dead.” This is not simplistic or easy. It takes courage and discipline. It’s a refusal to let sight dictate faith or action. And to act in opposition to overwhelming sight is a discipline born on a sure foundation. Be still and press into the very present help.

“Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” Psalm 46:2-3

Sight tells you the earth is giving way, mountains are being moved, waters are roaring and foaming, and mountains are trembling. Sight is lying to you. Underneath it all is a sure foundation. Immovable. Rock solid. Trustworthy. Refuse to act on sight and instead act on faith. Stand firm.

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” Psalm 46:4-5

Stand in the holy habitation of faith and you will not be moved. The night of sight may be long but help comes with the light of faith. Morning’s dawn reveals the steadfast love of God.

“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.” Psalm 46:6

Again, need I say more? Sight tells you your pain is overwhelming. Look to the truth. The nations rage and kingdoms totter. Sight tells you as much. But he utters his trustworthy voice and the earth dissolves in his presence. Your pain and grief will dissolve, as well.

Why?

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46:7

Divert your eyes from the raging and tottering, and run into the fortress. By faith embrace this truth—the Lord is with you! Observe his works. He is good. He is powerful. Bows are broken, and spears are shattered. Your loss is no obstacle to this Lord of hosts.

Therefore, we can stop and rest. Be still. By faith, acknowledge your God. Be among those who exalt this one who will be exalted in all the earth. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us…” Psalm 46:10-11