Thoughts from the Psalms - Psalm 46

In his first visit to Listooder, Paul Hanna turned to his favourite passage of Scripture, Psalm 46, and drew attention to the word 'Selah', which appears on 3 ocassions. The word itself, which can be found over 70 times in the original Hebrew Scriptures, represents a pause or a break in the text. It is a pause that, in the case of Psalm 46, creates 3 naturally divisions within the passage.

1. THE PROTECTION OF GOD (v 1-3)

The Psalm starts with God. The very beginning of the passage begins with He who was, and is, at the beginning of all things. Many people today will deny the existence of God, yet the Psalmist declares His existence with absolute certainty. God is our refuge. There is the evidence here of a personal knowledge of God's refuge and strength. It is possible to know God in such a real and personal way that He becomes your strength in all things. The strength to walk for God, speak for God and stand for God can come fully and unconditionally from the Creator Himself.

God is our present and immediate help in times of trouble, therefore the children of God need never fear. No matter what goes on in our lives, whether our whole world should be falling down around us, the Believer can always know that God will protect us and bring us through in His name and for His glory.

2. THE PROVISION OF GOD (v 4-7)

Verse 4 begin, 'there is a river'. Water is vital for the survival of life on this earth. The continual flow of a river ensures a plentiful supply of water for all who need it. In the Scriptures, the Lord Jesus describes himself as Living Water, an eternal resource for Christians, a provision that never ends.

Our God will supply every provision. Those who trust in Him will never be in need.

3. THE POWER OF GOD (v 8-11)

The first verse of this final section calls on us to 'behold' the works of God. He has the power to end war, to destroy nations and to wipe out the armies of this world. The mighty power of God is a frightening thing, but only to those who do not bow the knee before Him. To the Believer, it is a wonderful joy to know that the God who has all nations under his thumb is our God. His power, is our power and His strength is our strength.

The Psalmist closes by calling the Believer to be still. He calls on us to take time out and know God. May we listen to the advice and come before Him in reverance and love, looking to study His Word and learn more of His wonderful person.

"Be still and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10