The Mighty One on the side of the righteous, amid earth’s sorest throes

God is our refuge, and there is no doubt that that statement has been the comfort and mainstay of the church and individuals down through succeeding ages. In times of personal upheavals or periods of national turmoil, this anchor has been the strength for faith and the shelter from the storms. The psalm describes these convulsions under figures of creation and elements being disturbed. But however dramatic or drastic the conflicting powers, the saints have run into this strong tower and sought shelter under the Rock of Ages.

Such great tempestuous times are full of noise, distractions and fears. Yet God declares, “Be still, and know that I am God.” God is always in control in the darkest times, and we are to still our beating hearts and rest in His divine sovereignty. His government and omnipotence over all turns and events are a source of calm consolation to the minds of His people.

Pastor Jeff O’ Neil

Recommended Tune: Stroudwater

Psalm 46

¹God is our refuge and our strength,
In straits a present aid;
²Therefore, although the earth remove,
We will not be afraid:

Though hills amidst the seas be cast;
³Though waters roaring make,
And troubled be; yea, though the hills,
By swelling seas do shake.

⁴A river is, whose streams do glad
The city of our God;
The holy place, wherein the Lord
Most high hath his abode.

⁵God in the midst of her doth dwell;
Nothing shall her remove:
The Lord to her an helper will,
And that right early, prove.

⁶The heathen rag’d tumultuously,
The kingdoms moved were:
The Lord God uttered his voice,
The earth did melt for fear.

⁷The LORD of hosts upon our side
Doth constantly remain:
The God of Jacob’s our refuge,
Us safely to maintain.

⁸Come, and behold what wondrous works
Have by the LORD been wrought;
Come, see what desolations
He on the earth hath brought.

⁹Unto the ends of all the earth
Wars into peace he turns:
The bow he breaks, the spear he cuts,
In fire the chariot burns.

¹⁰Be still, and know that I am God;
Among the heathen I
Will be exalted; I on earth
Will be exalted high.

¹¹Our God, who is the LORD of hosts,
Is still upon our side;
The God of Jacob our refuge
For ever will abide.