Psalm 46 - Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There

Psalm 46 To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. [Selah]
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 the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. [Selah]
Come, behold the works of the LORD; see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth."
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. [Selah] (NRSV)

 Guys – we’re the worst offenders in this category.  How often have we had our wife come to us with a story from work or a project she’s working on in a volunteer setting or maybe even with the kids a bit rattled and anxious.  She rambles on excitedly about all the troubles.  What is it that we are doing?  Solving the problem in our mind, perhaps even interrupting her to give her the answer to her “Simple” problem. 

Wrong answer!  She simply needs to download AND you simply need to listen. 
 

You need to really listen, not to solve but to empathize with her.  You need to really understand what she is saying to you.  You also need to understand what she wants.  I know – if we knew what women wanted … Regardless, beyond the immediate topic you need to listen to her to understand whether she is asking for your help or simply expecting your ear.  The solving will come soon enough.

David in his psalm gives us some perspective.  The perspective will help in this situation with our wives and it will also help in our own deep water times of trouble.  The bulk of Psalm 46 reminds us of God’s strength against the assaults that come our way. 

The imagery is fortress like.  “God is our refuge and strength” and “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge”.  Clearly, this God is strong and protective in nature.  The psalm also gives imagery of God’s unique strength with phrases like, “He utters his voice, the earth melts” and “God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved”.

Overall the intent is a reflection on the truth of who God is in His power, protection and strength.  He is in sovereign control over His creation and those upon whom he casts His love within it. 

Here’s a test for you.  Do you love God?  It is a yes or no question.

If the answer is yes there is a verse for you to consider.  (1John 4:19)  “We love because he first loved us”. (NASB)  Scripture tells us that if we love God – it is only because He loved us first.

So, this God who protects those He loves – if you love Him must have loved you first.  Otherwise you would be incapable of loving Him.  Get it?  If you love Him, He loved you first and He protects the ones He loves.

And now – we can come to where David lands in Psalm 46 and perhaps a phrase you have heard before.  “Be still and know that I am God”

When you stop the problem solving.  When you stop the worrying.  When you stop, stop, stop.  You give the Lord a chance to get through all the chatter and grant you the assurance that Psalm 46 gives us in black and white.  AMEN!

Psalm 1:3 Planted and Watered

Psalm 1:3  “He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.” (NASB)

The first Psalm has only six verses but is rich in truth.  Verse one says we should stay away from bad influence in the form of wicked men, sinners and scoffers.

Verse two gives the counterpoint which is in fact to spend time with the LORD through continuous meditation on His Word.

Verse three gives the result.  When we stay away from bad influences but draw close to God through his Word something wonderful happens.  It says we, “Will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water”. 

Sharon and I were given a number of trees left over from a non-profit project.  We received both fig and pomegranate trees, just babies.  I dutifully planted them all but I had an extra fig tree.  I gave that to my folks and they were happy to add it to their collection.  The pomegranates I put all in a row and set up a hose to deliver water regularly on a timer.  They grew amazingly well and in just their second year produced lots of fruit.

My fig trees didn’t fare as well.  It wasn’t convenient to set up an irrigation system on the figs so I was watering them by hand with a garden hose when I thought about it.  Needless to say, I got busy and was not real regular in watering the figs.  All but one of those trees died but the last one rewarded us this year with a few figs which we enjoyed.  A few weeks back I was over at my dad’s house and saw the “Sister” tree.  Wow!  My dad’s tree was about twice the size of mine and had more fruit than I could count.  Dad had diligently provided water to his fig tree and it produced loads of fruit.

So we’re like trees in relationship to water when it comes to our spiritual life.  Spending time with God through his Word is essential to life.  With it we become rooted and grow strong in our faith and produce spiritual fruit.

Verse six sums it up, “For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish.”  Psalm 1:6 

Open your Bible – draw close to God – sink those roots down deep.  AMEN!