Psalm 46
Notes
Transcript
*Doomsday Preppers: Underground bunkers or storm shelters to protect them in times of storm.
-Even the best storm shelter has its limitations & weaknesses
*We have a divine shelter in times of storm. God is our covering
*Psalm 46 is a psalm of consolation, Israel was in trouble and needed some encouragement
-They face hard trials but consoled themselves with a song about God’s might
-Maybe in times of trouble we would do well by reminding ourselves also…
*God is worthy of our trust!
*Psalm 46 teaches us 3 lessons:
THERE IS SAFETY IN THE POWER OF GOD
THERE IS SAFETY IN THE POWER OF GOD
(Stanza 1; Vs. 2-3)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 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. Selah
*The Psalmist shares that God is a refuge, a shelter or protection. A hiding place
-“Very present help”= He is never far away in times of trouble
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)
-We can trust in the Lord
-We have no reason to fear
*THEREFORE: Because God is Who He is, we do not have to worry…
*The Psalm describes 2 catastrophic physical disasters
-“Though the mountains be moved into the sea” The most stable thing on earth is moved.
-“Though its waters roar and foam” tsunami or hurricane of major proportions
*Even in times of great catastrophe God is still our strength.
-When we face major disaster or pain in our own lives God is still there!
What have I to dread what have I to fear leaning on the everlasting arms. I have blessed peace with my Lord to near, leaning on the everlasting arms.
THERE IS SAFETY IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
THERE IS SAFETY IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
(Stanza 2)
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. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
GOD’S PRESENCE SATISFIES
(vs. 4)
-A shift in the text a relief of tension. (From a raging sea to a quiet river)
-God brings peace “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved”
GOD’S PRESENCE HELPS
-God will help in the morning (when we are at our weakest moment)
-“He utters His voice, the earth melts” God’s voice can make a difference (SPEAK LORD)
THERE IS SAFTEY IN THE PURPOSE OF GOD
THERE IS SAFTEY IN THE PURPOSE OF GOD
(Stanza 3)
Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “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; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
A.) Watch God at Work (Vs. 8)
Come, behold the works of the Lord
-We are invited to watch God move
-Focus on God not on your circumstance
-Don’t glace at God & gaze at Goliath…
-Sit back and watch the works of the Lord
B.) Watch God at War
He has brought desolations on the earth
-No on can fight like God can…
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
-God has a way of fighting your battles much better than you can
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
*God does not fight fair…(I thought Id have a witness there, I’m glad I brought my own)
-Exodus 14, slaves running away from Egypt
-God clogged up the wheels of the Egyptians chariots
*God will fight for you!!
-NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
“Be Still”
“Be Still”
-For the unbeliever –Stop trying to fight against God.
-For the believer-Stop trying to fight for yourself.
*You can rest in God.
REFRAIN: “The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”
-Fortress= an inaccessibly high tower
-Divine Majesty - “The Lord of Host is with us”
*He is on our side
-Divine Mercy – “The God of Jacob is our Fortress”
*Jacob is the worst of the patriarchs, the “heal grabber” The “HUSTLER”
-He isn’t just a God; He is the God of Jacob
-He is the God even over those who fall short
*WE HAVE A DIVINE STORM SHELTER
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
YOU CAN REST IN GOD
YOU CAN REST IN GOD