Psalm 46: Be Still
“Be still and know that I am God”. One of the toughest things for people to do is to be still. In life there are so many things that vie for our attention; so many concerns, worries, and responsibilities and our ever evolving world limits our ability to truly be still. It is a sobering thought that the God of the universe cares enough about [us] that He offers Himself as a refuge and strength, not just when trouble comes but always.
Historical Setting
The author of Psalm 46 is thought to be Isaiah because of the correlation of words used here and in his book that not many other authors in the Bible used. This psalm is a song for the descendants of Korah (who led a rebellion against Moses, but his sons became singers). This is one of the twelve psalms attributed to the sons of Korah. It is for the choir director, to be sung by soprano voices.
Theological Analysis
God is present in crisis (v. 1–3) : the opening line of the psalm speaks of God’s provision as opposed to how the psalms typically open speaking of the psalmist’s crisis. The word refuge synonymously means providing shelter or being safe from pursuit, danger, or trouble. God offers Himself as that for the psalmist, but ultimately for all of His children. With that assurance, there is no reason to fear, as God is who He says and will do what He says He will.
God’s peaceful provision (v. 2–4): although this river, a symbol and picture of peace (Is. 48:18, 66:12), was not in Jerusalem at this time but prophets spoke of a day when a river would flow with the water of life (Revelation 22:1). Jerusalem, also known as ‘the city of God’ receives blessings and provision through God’s presence and is established because ‘God shall help her’.
Jehovah Sabaoth (v. 7): the ‘God of angel armies’ is a mighty fortress.
What God says (v. 10): ‘be still and know that I am God’. Stillness is not meant in a literal physical sense, instead all chaos should cease because of God’s greatness. There is a comfort in knowing that our Sovereign God has all things taken care of, all we have to do is be still.
Psalm 46 in Corporate Worship
There are a variety of songs that come to mind when reflecting on this psalm, but to actively engage the congregation and best used as a congregational song would be that of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” which was written as a paraphrase to Psalm 46 by Martin Luther.
