Psalms 46:1 - Meaning and Application

The psalmist teaches us by his own example.

He begins by telling us to take joy in God, in his relationship to us, and in his presence with us, especially after fresh signs of his help. “God is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1). We have found him to be that, he has promised to be that, and he always will be that. If we are pursued, God is our refuge, the place we can run to and be safe. If we are under pressure, have work to do, or must face enemies, God is our strength. He supports us under our burdens, and he fits us for every duty and hardship.

If we are in distress, he is a help for all that we need. He is a present help, a help that is found, one we have already tested as true. He is a help close at hand, never far away, and never at a loss for what to do. He is also a help that fits every need, whatever the case may be. We could not ask for a better helper, and we will never find one like him in any creature.

The psalm then calls us to triumph even over the greatest dangers. Since God is our strength and our help, and since he is fully able to care for us, “therefore we will not fear.” Those who reverently fear God do not need to tremble before the power of earth or hell. If God is for us, who can truly harm us? It is our duty and our privilege to live without such fear. It shows a clear conscience, an honest heart, and living faith in God, his care, and his promises.

“We will not fear, though the earth is removed.” Even if everything that seems solid gives way, and the supports we trust in fail, we need not be afraid. The psalm even imagines the earth being swallowed up, like the ground that opened under Korah, for whom this psalm was written, some think, by his sons. Yet while we stay close to God and have him on our side, we have no reason to fear.

The danger is pictured in very strong terms. The earth may be removed and thrown into the sea. The mountains, the firmest parts of the earth, may sink into the depths. The sea may roar and rage, and its waves may shake the mountains. This points to kingdoms and states thrown into confusion, wars breaking out, and governments changing again and again. It points also to powerful enemies joining together against the church and people of God, seeking their ruin and coming very near to it. Still, we need not fear, because all these troubles will end well for the church (Psalm 93:4).

If the earth is removed, those should fear who have placed all their treasure on earth and set their hearts on it. But those who have stored up treasure in heaven need not be shaken. They expect their greatest happiness when the earth and all its works are burned up. Let those be troubled who trust in unstable things. Those who are led to the rock that is higher than they have firm ground under their feet.

The psalm also gives us a strong reason for this confidence, because of how well guarded the church is and how precious it is to God. The concern here is not just a private worry of our own. It is the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. It is the ark of God, the center of his presence among his people, that makes our hearts tremble. But when we consider what God has provided for the safety and comfort of his church, we see why our hearts can be steady and above fear.

There is joy for the church even in the darkest times: “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God” (Psalm 46:4). This likely points back to the waters of Siloam, which flowed gently by Jerusalem (Isaiah 8:6-7). Though small, they were useful in defending Jerusalem in Hezekiah’s day (Isaiah 22:10-11). Spiritually, the river is the covenant of grace, and its streams are the promises of God. Or the river may be the Spirit of grace (John 7:38-39), whose comforts flow out like streams and make glad the city of God. God’s word and his appointed worship are also rivers and streams that bring joy to his saints in dark and cloudy days.

God himself is to his church like a place of broad rivers and streams (Isaiah 33:21). The streams that make the city of God glad are not wild and rushing, but gentle, like the waters of Siloam. The quiet comforts that come to believers through soft and hidden whispers, and that come without public display, are enough to outweigh the loud threats of a hostile world.

The church also has stability. Though heaven and earth are shaken, “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved” (Psalm 46:5). God has promised his special presence with his church and shown deep care for her. His honor is tied to her, and he has placed his tent among her people and taken responsibility for her protection. Therefore, she shall not be moved. She will not be destroyed, even if the earth is shaken. The church will outlast the world and be in blessedness when the world lies in ruins. It is built on a rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

She will also not be greatly disturbed by fear about what will happen. If God is for us and with us, we need not be shaken by the strongest attacks against us.

The church will also be delivered, even if her danger is very great. “God shall help her.” Who then can harm her? He will help her in her troubles so that she does not sink. Indeed, the more she is afflicted, the more she will grow. He will also bring her out of trouble, and he will do it early, when the morning comes, that is, quickly and at the right time, when things seem most desperate and relief will be most welcome. This may be applied to each believer as well. If God is in our hearts and in the midst of us, by his word dwelling richly in us, then we will be established and helped. Let us, therefore, trust and not be afraid. All is well, and it will end well.