The Nature of God: God
our Fortress
Read Psalm 46
This psalm speaks of God as a mighty fortress, a very
present help to His people. This promise of a very present help is really extraordinary. The mighty God who
resides in a holy habitation considers it worthwhile to be very present in the lives of His people. The sons of Korah describe
ominous events – the mountains being thrown into the sea, the melting of the
earth, the nations at war – yet they speak confidently, declaring that we have nothing to fear in all of these things.
Because God is our refuge, because He
is our strength and because He is very present, we will not fear. Though
things may happen that present an opportunity to fear, we will choose not to
because we will trust in the Lord as our mighty fortress.
Overview
Verses 1-3: God
is our refuge, so we will not fear
Verses 4-7: The
Lord’s protection over Israel
Verses 8-11: God
will be exalted among the nations
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1) When have you felt the Lord very present in your life? How did His
presence enable you to rely on Him?
2)
How does the image of God painted in
this Psalm relate to you today? Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the
words of this Psalm.
3) Use this Psalm to help you pray. Read
each section of verses aloud and then use them to pray. Thank God for what the
verses declare about Him and then pray for those truths to be real in your life
or the lives of others. For example, verses 1-3: God, thank You that You are a refuge. Thank You that I can run to You
in my time of need and know that I will find shelter in You. Thank You that You
are strong; my weakness does not affect your strength! Thank You that you are
very near to me. I will trust you God and I will not be afraid. Help me not to
be afraid. God, whatever happens in this situation, whatever happens in the
future I will put all of my hope and trust in You.
Engage your heart as
you pray through the chapter!
