Summer in the Psalms
Read: Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. 2 Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, 3 though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah 4 There is a river— its streams delight the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High. 5 God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns. 6 Nations rage, kingdoms topple; the earth melts when he lifts his voice. 7 The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah 8 Come, see the works of the Lord, who brings devastation on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease throughout the earth. He shatters bows and cuts spears to pieces; he sets wagons ablaze. 10 “Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” 11 The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah
Transformation Questions:
- If God is sovereign, why do we still deal with natural disasters?
- How is God our refuge even in the midst of natural disasters?
- Psalm 46 is eschatological in nature and is talking about the natural disasters that will come before Christ returns. How does Christ’s impending return change how we view natural disasters?
- How do the tremors of sin not just affect the natural world, but the nations of the world?
- What societal troubles do we need refuge from?
- How do we balance finding refuge in God in the midst of troubles but also making sure we are intentional about being salt and light in our broken world?
- Another way to translate verse 10 is “cease striving” and know that I am God. What are some things that we do in our strength that are acts of “striving” in this world?
- What are some positive things we can do to “be still” and know that He is God?
- How, ultimately, will God be exalted among the nations?
- What does it mean to you that God is your stronghold? How can you remind yourself of this truth in difficult scenarios?
- How is the gospel a picture of finding refuge from God’s justice and wrath?