Psalm 46
By: James Castruccio
February 15, 2025
Introduction
Psalm 46 was the scriptural catalyst for Martin Luther’s great hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” This psalm also launches a trilogy of psalms (i.e., 46; 47; 48); they are all songs of triumph. Psalm 46 extols the adequacy of God in facing threats from nature and the nations. God indeed protects His people upon the earth.
The major burden of Psalm 46 is that God provides stability for His people who live in two unstable environments.
1. The Unstable Environment of Nature (46:1-3)
2. The Unstable Environment of the Nations (46:4-11)
Summary
Psalm 46 is a profound declaration of God’s sovereignty, sufficiency, and presence in the lives of His people. From John MacArthur’s perspective, this psalm serves as a reminder of God’s unshakable power and His role as our ultimate refuge, strength, and ruler.
Psalm 46 (NIV)
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
10 He says, “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 Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Verse 1: God’s Sufficiency in Trouble
The psalm begins with the confident assertion: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (v.1). This verse encapsulates the sufficiency of God to sustain His people through any crisis. MacArthur emphasizes that no trial—whether natural disaster, personal failure, or spiritual attack—is beyond God’s ability to handle. He is not a distant deity but an ever-present help who walks with us through adversity.
Verses 2-3: The World Around Us Will Shake (Literally)
Verses 2 and 3 are speaking about natural disasters. How do we react to them when they happen? Earthquakes, floods, tornados, fires. Do we react, or do we respond? There is a big difference between the two.
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
Verses 4-5: God Calms the Earth and Sustains Us
We have an abundance of water in the PNW. We see the Columbia River every day. According to Wikipedia, the Columbia River discharges an average flow of approximately 265,000 cubic feet per second at its mouth, which equates to about 198 million gallons per minute or 286 billion gallons per day flowing into the Pacific Ocean. THAT is a LOT of water. The Middle East is a completely different story. Water is scarce to say the least.
The river being described here is refreshing and calm, compared to the waters described in verse 3. They also take us back to the Garden in Genesis and forward to Eden being restored in Revelation.
Genesis 2:10 (NIV)
Revelation 22:1-2 (NIV)
Verses 6-9: Those on the Earth will Shake the World Around Us
Wars will rage around us. There will be turmoil in the world. We see it every day. How many generations have thought, “We must be living in the end times”? “Because of the presence of God, the forces of nature and the nations are no longer a threat to the people of God who dwell with Him.” (MacArthur, p.1629)
Verse 7 says, “the Lord Almighty is with us”. Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
Isaiah 8:8-10 (NIV)
Verses 8 and 9 highlight God’s sovereignty over nations and kingdoms.
Isaiah 13:9 (NIV)
Hosea 5:9 (NIV)
Zephaniah 2:15 (NIV)
Verses 10-11: Rest and Trust in the Lord
Verse 10 is a call to stillness that is not passive but an invitation to trust fully in God’s sovereignty. It is a challenge to cease striving in self-reliance and instead rest in the knowledge that God will be exalted among the nations and throughout the earth. This verse underscores the futility of human efforts compared to the power and preeminence of God. MacArthur considers verses 10 and 11 to be directed to the Lord’s nation for comfort, and all other nations as a warning.
Conclusion
Psalm 46 is a triumphant proclamation of who God is: our refuge, strength, and sovereign King. As MacArthur often emphasizes, this psalm calls us to trust deeply in God’s sufficiency, worship Him for His power, and rest confidently in His eternal purposes.
Questions
1. What does being still look like to me?
2. What does it mean for you personally that God is described as a “refuge and strength” in verse 1? How have you experienced this in your life?
3. The psalm emphasizes not fearing even if the world seems to collapse (vv. 2-3). How do you respond to fear or uncertainty in your own life?
4. How does the imagery of a river bringing gladness to God’s city (v. 4) inspire hope in your current circumstances? What brings you true gladness?
5. The psalm contrasts the chaos of nations with the stability of God’s presence (vv. 6-7). How does this contrast shape your understanding of God’s sovereignty?
6. How does the repeated declaration that “The Lord Almighty is with us” (vv. 7, 11) provide assurance in times of trouble? Can you recall a time when this truth comforted you?
7. What does it mean for God to make wars cease and shatter weapons (v. 9)? How can this imagery influence how you approach personal conflicts?
8. Why is it often difficult to let go of control and trust fully in God’s plan, as verse 10 suggests? What specific attribute of God helps you surrender your fears or burdens?
References
MacArthur, John F.. The MacArthur Bible Commentary : A Faithful, Focused Commentary on the Whole Bible, Thomas Nelson Incorporated, 1997