Verse of the Day 2/18

Through the Bible - Exodus 4-6, Mark 15:26-47

 

Good morning,

I read Psalm 46 recently and saw that it fit well with the tumult, the uproar, the protests in the middle east and even in our own country.  Read verses 6-7.

 

Ps 46:6  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.  ESV

The people turn to the government to solve their problems and in some instances look for an overthrow, a new government thinking that it will bring about the needed change without thinking of turning to God, the God who is with us for guidance, individually and as a nation.

 

For today's verses we'll go to the end of the chapter.

 

Ps 46:10  "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.  ESV

Verse ten is another verse that is often lifted out of context.  It is used to calm the heart to give the person a "peaceful, easy feeling".  I've been comforted by it in this way through the verse and in song.  But the setting is in the tumult of the crowd., like trying to get the attention of a mob, whether it be protestors or a group of middle school kids who just found out that school had been cancelled.  It is more of a yell, "settle down", "be quiet" or even, as I've heard R.C. Sproul say "shut up".

 

Think of the tumult in our lives or possibly the things that keep us from being able to sleep.  God is with us.  The God of Jacob, the man who wrestled with God and would not let him go, who got up the next morning a changed man with a new name, He is with us, and He is in control.

 

The hymn "A Mighty Fortress", written by Martin Luther, was based on this psalm. He knew something of the tumult of society in his time and the flood of "mortal ills".

 

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

 

Did we in our strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

In David's time, in Martin Luther's time and in our time, God is with us, and He must win the battle.  Don't get caught up in the fray, don't be give in to the "ancient foe" armed with hate, rather, be still, be quiet and know that He is God.

 

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
Ps 46

 

46 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.   ESV