Psa. 46
TO THE CHOIRMASTER. OF THE SONS OF KORAH. ACCORDING TO ALAMOTH. A SONG.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Luther’s battle-hymn, Ein’ feste Burg, took its starting-point from this psalm, catching its indomitable spirit but striking out in new directions. The psalm for its part proclaims the ascendancy of God in one sphere after another: his power over nature (1–3), over the attackers of his city (4–7) and over the whole warring world (8–11). Its robust, defiant tone suggests that it was composed at a time of crisis, which makes the confession of faith doubly impressive.
Power over Nature
This God who has power over nature, is the one who bids our fears to cease. “Be still!” are the words that Jesus speaks on that tempestuous Lake of Galilee. The wind and the waves recognize the voice- why should they not- it is the same voice that called them into being aeons ago.
Power over Human Nature
The waters which once threatened the very “heart of the sea” (v. 2) are now a source of joy and strength. “There is a river which makes glad the city of God.” (v. 4).
As the wind and waves subside and the calm falls upon the waters with the command “Be still”(v. 10), a very different storm erupts into the hearts of James, and John and Peter. Here in these times of troubles the steadfast fortress, YHWH Tzvaot, the God of Angel Armies (v.11) reminds that it is not enough to be still. We must, “Be still,” and recognize “that [He] is God.”
It is this Jesus who can tame the wildest ocean and the wildest heart.
“Peace, Be Still” (Mark 4:39)