Sæktu forritið30 Days in the PsalmsSýnishorn
Day #8: Psalm 46
Like Psalms 42 and 43, Psalm 46 is a faith-filled and hopeful prayer lifted up in the midst of anxiety-producing situations. This time the prayer is offered not by an individual, but by the whole people of God. The psalm opens with a firm declaration, almost as if the community of worshipers is planting its feet and staking a claim: “We will not fear” (v. 2).
The worshipers contemplate two kinds of “even though” scenarios that might threaten to shake their confidence in God. Both seem to be real issues they are facing. First, there is the unsettling experience of natural disasters—the earth changing (as in global warming), the mountains shaking and trembling (like earthquakes), and the seas roaring and foaming (reminiscent of tsunamis and hurricanes). Even though these terrifying things are happening or might happen, the people of God declare, “We will not fear, because God is our refuge and strength, a proven help in the midst of trouble and turbulence” (vv. 1–3).
The other anxiety-producing scenario that affects these worshipers is geopolitical upheaval: “The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter” (v. 6a). The headlines are awash with disaster and unrest on global and national levels, and the voices that tell the stories are shrill and alarmist. In the midst of that noise, these worshipers choose a different path. They turn their eyes away from the chaos and focus their gaze on the Lord. This allows them to declare with confidence, “The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress” (vv. 7, 11, NLT).
That refocusing of their vision and the silencing of shouting voices that vie for their attention allows these praying people to hear God’s response to their prayer. “Be still,” he whispers to them. “Be still, and know that I am God!” (v. 10). He reminds his praying people that no matter how chaotic the current scenarios, the final chapter is already written: “I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
Today is a good day to stand tall in the midst of whatever circumstances threaten to submerge you in anxiety and to declare with the psalmist: “I will not fear, because God is with me. I will be still in his presence, because he is my fortress and my rescuer.”
Ritningin
About this Plan
Most of Scripture is God’s Word to human beings, but the Book of Psalms records human speech to God. These prayers and songs demonstrate the determination of people of faith to remain connected to God, regardless of their circumstances. Confession, lament, pleading, thanksgiving, praise—all the elements of our communication with God are present. The 150 Psalms in the collection are divided into 5 “books.” During these 30 days, we’ll pray through 6 psalms from each book. Some will be very familiar, others perhaps less so; all will direct our gaze to the God who loves us.
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