God, The Refuge Of His People
by Mark Mayberry
Introduction
On occasion, the people of God face individual troubles, family troubles, congregational troubles, and national troubles. From time to time, we are burdened with uncertainty, sickness, frailty, and sorrow. Yet, the Holy Scriptures afford comfort in trials. This is especially true of Psalms Forty-Six, written by the sons of Korah for the chief musician, where God is presented as the refuge of his people.
God Provides ShelterPsalms 46:1-3 (KJV) - “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”
Psalms 46:1-3 (NASB95) - “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.”
God provides shelter and strength. Elsewhere, David said, “He is my rock” (Psalms 18:2; 62:1-2). He furnishes us with confidence (Psalms 62:5-8). Even when it seems like our entire world is falling apart, God offers help to his people (Psalms 23:4-6; Habakkuk 3:16-19).
God Provides SupportPsalms 46:4 (KJV) - “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.”
Psalms 46:4 (NASB95) - “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, The holy dwelling places of the Most High.”
God provides support and sustenance for his people. The Lord provided for Israel during their wilderness wanderings (Deuteronomy 8:15-16; Psalms 105:40-43). In like manner Jesus Christ provides us with the bread of life and streams of living water (John 6:35; 7:38).
God Provides FellowshipPsalms 46:5 (KJV) - “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”
Psalms 46:5 (NASB95) - “God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.”
God also has fellowship with his people. God was with Israel during the wilderness (Exodus 40:34-38). When Solomon initiated worship in the temple at Jerusalem, the glory of the Lord filled the house (I Kings 8:10-13). In like manner, Jesus Christ shares an abiding relationship with all his followers (Matthew 18:20; 28:18-20; Luke 17:20-21; II Corinthians 6:16-18).
God Provides PunishmentPsalms 46:6 (KJV) - “The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.”
Psalms 46:6 (NASB95) - “The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted.”
All worldly evil can be summed up in three words, “The nations raged.” Yet, when God comes in judgment, the kingdoms of men fall (Psalms 2). Although the power of evil appears invincible, Satan’s doom is sealed (Revelation 20:7-15). Let us, therefore, be God’s allies and not his enemies (Hebrews 12:25-29).
God Provides PeacePsalms 46:7-11 (KJV) - “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 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. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”
Psalms 46:7-11 (NASB95) - “The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. Cease striving 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; The God of Jacob is our stronghold.” Selah.
God affords peace in several ways. Physical peace prevailed when Israel was faithful to God (Leviticus 26:6). Spiritual peace is granted to those who trust and obey (Philippians 4:6-7). Familial peace belongs to those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways (Psalms 128:1-6). He also shows us how to enjoy peace within congregations (Romans 14:16-19).
ConclusionConsider the following words, written by my sister-in-law Anne Stevens. This song was finished at Texas Children’s Hospital where her second newborn grandson was struggling with a variety of serious health problems:
1. Oh, waste not this day in worry. You must face the past and let it go. For the Father who knows your sin and sorrow, Is the Father who loves you so.
2. Oh, waste not this day in worry. Oh, borrow not tomorrow's woe. For consider the birds in all their glory, Neither gather, nor reap, nor sow.
3. Oh, waste not this day in worry. Won't you treasure ev'ry single hour? For your life, it is nothing but a vapor, Like a lovely but fading flow'r.
Chorus: Waste not this day in worry. Spend not this day in fear. For he knows the sparrow, Is He, your loving Father, ever near.
Great blessings come to those who are right with God. They enjoy shelter, security, support, and sustenance. It is not so with the wicked. The only thing they can rightfully expect to receive is the outpouring of God’s wrath. Where do you stand? Is your heart right with God? Are you a faithful Christian? If not, obey his word, rejoice in his grace, trust in his goodness and love, and come to know the peace that surpasses comprehension.