Bible Study - Storm (5) - Shelter of GOD'S Peace - Psalm 46:1-11 - January 4, 2015

Bible Study – Storm (5) – The Shelter of GOD’S Peace – January 4, 2015

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Storm Shelter: Psalms of GOD’S Embrace.”

Our focus scripture is Psalm 46:1-11.

GOD is the source of peace in the midst of turmoil. The psalmist wrote this Psalm for Israel, GOD’S chosen people. So those reading or singing the Psalm are coming from the point of view that they know or at least know about this awesome GOD of Israel.

GOD is the source of protection and the shelter of those who have a trusting relationship with HIM. For people, since the passion of CHRIST, it means they have placed their faith in CHRIST and have become the children of GOD through the miracle of rebirth. In turn, when trouble takes place in their lives, they are secure because GOD is sovereign and in charge of all things. HIS chosen are secure.  

Since GOD is GOD, does that mean that all humans will be protected in catastrophic times or find peace in HIM? The question is do we know GOD through faith in CHRIST or just know that HE exists?

The miracle of rebirth results in every person who has accepted CHRIST as his or her Savoir being born into the family of GOD. Christians are GOD’S Sons or Daughters. But having an interactive relationship with the source/GOD is far different than simply knowing about the existence of GOD. Christians have direct 24/7 access to GOD but do we go to HIM and learn from HIM? Turmoil can lead a person to the source of peace and then he or she must either accept or reject CHRIST as his or her Savior.

In last week’s lesson, December 28, 2014, we discussed the “sons of Korah.” Again, this Psalm was written by a member or members of that group. It was written to be sung by a choir in a certain manner “according to Alamoth,” or “young women” or those with high pitched voices such as sopranos.

Martin Luther was inspired by Psalm 46 to write “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” and he used certain words and phrases directly from Psalm 46.

Let’s read Psalm 46:1-3:

God Our Refuge For the choir director. A song of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth.

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 waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil. • Selah

Notice “GOD is our refuge and strength.” “Our” refers to those who are in relationship with GOD through faith. GOD has promised HIS children that HE would never leave or forsake them. HE is ever-present.

Notice the words “a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” The scripture refers to the Holy Spirit as a “helper” or “comforter.” The Holy Spirit is also referred to as a “paraclete” or one who comes along the side of a person of faith as a comforter or helper. 

Since CHRIST gave HIS life to pay in full the debt for sin, all who place their faith in CHRIST are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. The psalmist states that GOD is always found when the things in which GOD’S children have no control happen.   

Trouble comes from a word that implies “to be in a tight place.”

Certainly, when things happen over which we have no control, we feel helpless. Whereas we are helpless, GOD is all powerful and all knowing. Those who have the right relationship with HIM find protection and security from natural events and human aggression.

Skip to verse 6 and notice that GOD not only protects HIS children from natural disasters but disasters due to political upheavals and incompetent leaders.

When GOD’S chosen are in tight places or see various disasters over which they have no control, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis and part of the earth falling into the sea, they are not to be in fear because GOD is in control and HE is their refuge and strength.

Having this confidence and trust in GOD comes from experiencing GOD through an intimate, loving relationship.

The psalmist uses “Selah” for those reciting or singing these first verses to pause and I think for all to ponder. Then they go to the next section of verses to sing and ponder.

Let’s read Psalm 46:4-7:

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 • Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

Bible scholars believe that the psalmist was referring to Jerusalem but Jerusalem does not have a river running through it. A river in those days was the life source for those who lived near it. The river provided food and water for the crops to feed those who lived near it.

The river was a depiction of those who have a true relationship with GOD. They are secure in HIS protective care because they dwell and rely upon HIM for nourishment. GOD is their life source upon earth, as well as, for eternity.

The indwelling Holy Spirit confirms that the life source in all Christians is GOD. GOD provides Spiritual nourishment to all who come to HIM and journey with HIM. JESUS provides the living water which satisfies our Spiritual thirst. Those who place their trust in GOD will not be toppled because GOD is not toppled and we remain secure in HIM.

As mentioned earlier, when you compare verses 2 and 6, GOD is greater than natural disasters as well as political disasters. GOD makes history, therefore, history is not in control. All earthly events are under the control of GOD and HIS timing. We may not like what GOD allows but HE is in charge and sovereign.

Satan has his plans but GOD is a step ahead and greater than all.  Yes, tragedies happen. Earth was never intended to be our permanent home in its fallen, sinful state. GOD’S Word makes it clear that there will be a new heaven and a new earth but only when HIS Word has been fulfilled.

In verse 5 the words “GOD will help her when the morning dawns” led me to consider: When an enemy considers his battle plans the night before, he will execute that plan at first light or “when the morning dawns.” But GOD is ready to protect those who are in relationship with HIM just as HE protects HIS city. Nothing, no natural disaster or political movements, can stand against almighty GOD or topple HIM. HIS children are to trust HIM and obey HIM as they go through life.

If we, as Christians, really believe that GOD is in charge and protects us, why don’t we take a firm stand and speak out regardless of those who attempt to silence us?

The LORD of Hosts is with those in relationship with HIM. “Lord” refers to “Yahweh,” the personal covenant name for GOD. The word “hosts” refers to a mass of people. When used as “Lord of hosts” it refers to GOD’S invincible power and portrays HIM as the “commander of forces.”

JESUS revealed in Matthew 26:50-54: (When JESUS was arrested in the garden before HIS crucifixion, HE made this statement. In JESUS’ day a Roman legion contained up to 6,000 soldiers.)

50 “Friend,” Jesus asked him, “why have you come?” Then they came up, took hold of Jesus, and arrested Him. 51 At that moment one of those with Jesus reached out his hand and drew his sword. He struck the high priest’s • slave and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus told him, “Put your sword back in its place because all who take up a sword will perish by a sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will provide Me at once with more than 12 legions of angels? 54 How, then, would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?”

The psalmist made it clear that GOD was not just any god but the GOD of Jacob, who GOD renamed Israel. The one true GOD of Israel is the stronghold of all who place their faith in HIM. A stronghold means a high point or high walls that serve as a protected defensive position. When we place our trust in GOD during troubling times, HE is the One Who elevates us above the trouble into HIS protection and care. We must rest in HIM and trust in HIM during these times.  

Since the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension of JESUS and the return of the Holy Spirit to indwell all who place their faith in CHRIST, They have direct, 24/7, access to GOD.

JESUS made it clear in John 14: (JESUS was speaking to HIS disciples and Thomas asked JESUS a question in verse 5.)

1 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going.” 5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Keep in mind that GOD calls all to HIM but every person has a choice to either accept or reject CHRIST as his or her Savior.

Let’s read Psalm 46:8-11:

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 burns up the chariots. 10 “Stop your fighting—and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” 11 • Yahweh of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

GOD is sovereign. The psalmist asks each person to stop and take the time to look around and see GOD’S mighty hand at work. Man makes mighty implements of war but they are nothing when compared to GOD. HE turns these implements of war into scrap.

In the statement “Come, see the works of the Lord,” the word “see” carries the idea of seeing more than the human eyes reveal. Christians need to see through GOD’S eyes and that requires an intimate relationship. Those who have an intimate, loving relationship with GOD also see HIS works, through HIS written Word as revealed through the prophets and the lives of HIS chosen.

“Yahweh of Hosts” is the strength of all who place their faith in HIM and those who do will find that HE is their protector. “Yahweh of Hosts” is often translated “Lord Almighty” or “Lord of Hosts” which proclaim GOD’S authority as King over Israel. GOD’S desire is to be the King and authority in the lives of all who place their faith in CHRIST.

Some may question, what about those who lived before CHRIST gave HIS life on the cross to pay the sin debt in full?  We need to keep in mind that GOD honors faith. GOD told Abraham in Genesis 15:6:

6 Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.

Faith in GOD was a place holder until JESUS gave HIS life for the redemption of all who will place their faith in HIM.

You will recall 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we (those who place their faith in CHRIST) might become the righteousness of God in Him.

How do Christians know that they are GOD’S children?

Romans 8:16:

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

The psalmist ends verse 11 in the same way as he did verse 7. GOD is the peace in the midst of turmoil. HE is our refuge, strength and stronghold. The more we experience HIM, the more we rest in HIM when trouble comes our way. GOD is greater than natural disasters or human aggression.

GOD’S Kingdom will prevail. JESUS has already defeated Satan.

JESUS told Peter that “upon this rock I will build this church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” JESUS gave HIS life to redeem those who place their faith in HIM. At the instant of salvation, the born-again person receives the Holy Spirit. 

The true church or the Spiritual body, the Kingdom of GOD, is made up of true Spiritual believers and the gates of Hell will not prevail. Every born-again believer is secure in GOD and so is the true Spiritual body of believers. Various calamities may come to the physical earth or to people but GOD’S children will always be under HIS protection and care. The security of GOD’S children is always in HIM for eternity.

Is GOD your refuge, strength and stronghold? As you walk with HIM, you will learn of HIM and you will grow to trust HIM more and more.

We are all beginning a new year. None of us knows what the year will bring but those who have placed their faith in CHRIST know Who knows and will guide us through it. 

Happy New Year to all and continued blessings as we grow and mature Spiritually. Blessings!!!