God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble. ² For this reason we do not fear when the earth shakes, and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea, ³ when its waves crash and foam, and the mountains shake before the surging sea. (Selah) ⁴ The river’s channels bring joy to the city of God, the special, holy dwelling place of the Most High. ⁵ God lives within it, it cannot be moved. God rescues it at the break of dawn. ⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms are overthrown. God gives a shout, the earth dissolves. ⁷ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is on our side. The God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Selah) ⁸ Come, Witness the exploits of the Lord, who brings devastation to the earth. ⁹ He brings an end to wars throughout the earth.
He shatters the bow and breaks the spear; he burns the shields with fire. ¹⁰ He says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God. I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!” ¹¹ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is on our side! The God of Jacob is our stronghold!  (Selah)

Psalm 46

How appropriately timed is this passage for the current events and conditions of our nation? An unprecedented time of great proportions – with the ongoing pandemic and its ensuing rivalries and the unprecedented political unrest – both amid the growing social unrest of riots and killings. When I read today’s passage I couldn’t help but think of Mordecai’s words, “For such a time as this”, in the book of Esther.

Embattled in a seemingly, unending pandemic that continues to claim lives and somehow disrupt unity – and the political and social unrest that disrupts peace it seems fitting to be reminded to “Stop striving”. I find it good and comforting to be reminded – “For such a time as this”, to recognize that HE IS GOD! He declared, “I WILL BE EXALTED over the nations! I WILL BE EXALTED over the earth!” If I believe this declaration, and I do – should I not also live in peace KNOWING that He truly is my helper in these unprecedented times of trouble? Should I not rest in the TRUTH that The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is on my side and the God of Jacob is my stronghold? Should I not rise up with the Psalmist and say – “For this reason I do not fear because my God WILL BE EXALTED?” He wins, and He alone will bring peace in His perfect timing over this pandemic and racism and brutality and political unrest! For He is God!

“For such a time as this” – in the midst of the turmoil of our day let us remember to take comfort and strength and find courage and joy in knowing that He is on our side! He is our stronghold!

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. It was tempting for the nation of Israel to align with foreign powers, and God reminds them that ultimately He is exalted! God wins, and He will bring peace. During Isaiah’s time, Judah looked for help from the Egyptians, even though God warned against it. Judah did not need Egyptian might; they needed reliance on the Lord: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

When we are still and surrendered to God, we find peace even when the earth gives way, the mountains fall (verse 2), or the nations go into an uproar and kingdoms fall (verse 6). When life gets overwhelming and busyness takes precedence, remember Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Run to Him, lay down your weapons and fall into His arms. Acknowledge that He is God and that He is exalted in the earth. Be still and know that He is God.

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