Psalms of Trust (Psalm 46)

What you believe about God may be the most important factor in how you handle hard times. Psalm 46 is a beloved psalm of trust in which the community of God expresses their confidence in the character of God to sustain them in the midst of crisis. These powerful lyrics give us a pattern for praying today when it feels like our world has been turned upside down.

Start Lesson

Venue

Sections

Lesson

Downloads

About

The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.

Classroom Instructions

Lesson

14:44

Session 6 Video

Session 6: Psalms of Trust (Psalm 46)

Summary: What you believe about God may be the most important factor in how you handle hard times. Psalm 46 is a beloved psalm of trust in which the community of God expresses their confidence in the character of God to sustain them in the midst of crisis. These powerful lyrics give us a pattern for praying today when it feels like our world has been turned upside down.
Notes:
- HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
  - Authored by the Sons of Korah (Psalms 42-49, 84,85,87,88), priests
  - The Assyrian invasion of Judah in 701 BC threatened the annihilation of the Jewish people. Jerusalem was besieged, crowded with refugees when King Hezekiah made his bold stand of faith (2 Chronicles 32, 2 Kings 19, Isaiah 37).
- THE CHARACTER OF GOD IN THE CRISIS
  - Our refuge, strength, and very present help in trouble
  - Verses 2-3 describe the worst-case scenario: the undoing of creation (reuniting of land and sea)
  - Rivers were a source of life and defense. Jerusalem had the Gihon spring to sustain the city during this crisis, but the psalm points to God himself as the River, the life-sustaining One
  - The city was the “holy habitation”, the home of God, so He will protect it
  - God will help her “when morning dawns”. The angel of the LORD put 185,000 soldiers to death in the night. Their general Sennacherib returned to Nineveh where he was promptly assassinated by his own sons (Isaiah 37:36-38)
  - LORD Sabaoth (hosts) refers to YHWH as the commander of the angel army
  - Fortress, a strong tower in which to shelter in safety (Proverbs 18:10)
  - An invitation to remember what God has done (learn from history) and rest (be still)
- JESUS IS “GOD WITH US”*
  - His name is Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23), God condescended, entered into our grief and struggle
  - Jesus promises a river flowing out of us, the Holy Spirit (John 7:38) who will make His home in us. The Holy Spirit is our comforter (strength-giver), paraclete (walks alongside), and is received at baptism (Acts 2:38). The church is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16,17) as are

our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19). - Jesus calms the storm saying “Be still” (Mark 4:39-41), the disciples knew he was God. - Jesus helps us “at the break of dawn.” When we enter the long night of death, Jesus who rose at the break of dawn will raise us in the morning as well. Weeping may remain for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

Discussion:

The psalmist describes an “end of the world” scenario, the undoing of creation itself. In such a time, what hope do believers have that others do not? (Luke 12:4-7)
In what ways has God been an “ever present help” in trouble in your life?
Reflect on the two metaphors for the Holy Spirit. In what ways is the Holy Spirit like a river? What does it mean to you to be the “holy habitation” of God?
God helped us at the break of dawn when He raised Jesus from the dead. How does the resurrection of Jesus enable us to experience peace in the midst of chaos?
Inspired by Psalm 46, Martin Luther wrote the hymn A Mighty Fortress is Our God over 500 years ago. As you read the lyrics again, what timeless truths in the song impress you today?
What spiritual practices help you to “be still and know that I am God”?