Psalm 46

In times of war Ps 46 reminds the people of God to place their trust in him alone. It is a psalm of confidence. Psalm 46 consists of two main stanzas declaring confidence in God: 1) vv. 1-7 describe the presence of God and 2) vv. 8-10 declare the power of God. The prevailing thought in the psalm is that God’s presence among his people is enough to secure victory for them (vv. 5, 7, 11). Since God dwells among his people they declare “Immanuel” – “God with us” (vv. 7, 11). Psalm 46 expresses the presence and power of God within his chosen people.

Many times we are tempted to place our trust in our own military prowess and might. It is easy for powerful nations to become arrogant, placing their confidence in their own ability to wage and win wars. But it is not so with the people of God. God is their refuge and strength (v. 1). Israel had a grand army at one time in her history. Her borders expanded more under kings David and Solomon than under any other Israelite king. Even so, the writer of Ps 46 reminds the nation in whom to place their trust (v. 1). Their faith is in God Almighty alone. For the people of God military might always takes a back seat to the sovereignty of God.

The world is a very unstable place (vv. 2-3). There is nothing in this world that is unshakable except the presence of God among his people. It is only in God’s presence that the church expresses her confidence in times of war. God acts on behalf of his people in times of war. He destroys the weapons of the enemy and brings an end to war (vv. 8-9).

The most comforting part of this psalm is when God speaks and encourages his people to be confident in him: “Be still and know that I am God” (v. 10). This is not casually waiting around with quiet contemplation. This is primarily not a call to quietly meditate (though there is nothing wrong with meditation). It is a statement of confidence that may be paraphrased, “Watch this!” The point is, wait, watch, and witness what God has in store for those who trust him. God is the God who delivers his people in times of trouble, even times of war. So, it is important for the church to declare their trust in God since he has placed his presence within her (1 Cor 3:16). Through the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit the church should express even more confidence than ancient Israel. Indeed, through the work of Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit, God’s people shout the same words as in Ps 46: “Immanuel” – “God is with us!”