Psalms 46

Chapter Summary

Psalms 46 is a song of confidence and trust in God's power and presence. The chapter begins by affirming that God is our refuge and strength, and that He is always with us (Psalms 46:1). The psalmist then describes the chaos and turmoil of the world, with mountains shaking and nations raging (Psalms 46:2-3), but reminds us that God is in control and that we have no need to fear (Psalms 46:4-5). The chapter concludes with a call to trust in God and to be still, knowing that He is our God and that He will be exalted among the nations (Psalms 46:10).

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 46 is part of the second book of the Psalms, which includes Psalms 42-72. This book is often referred to as the 'Elohist' collection, because it emphasizes the name 'Elohim' for God. The chapter is thought to have been written during a time of war or national crisis, and is a call to trust in God's power and presence. The psalmist is reminding the people of God's character and nature, and encouraging them to trust in Him alone.

Heart Application

As we read Psalms 46, we are reminded that God is our refuge and strength, and that He is always with us. This chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and presence, and to be still in His presence, knowing that He is in control. We can apply this to our lives by seeking to trust in God more fully, and by being quiet in His presence, listening to His voice and seeking His guidance.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 46 is a song that reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, and that He is always with us. The chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and presence, and to be still in His presence, knowing that He is in control. We can see this in verses like Psalms 46:1, which says 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.'

Voices from the Church

“This psalm is a noble song, and a most appropriate one for the Church of God in all ages, for it sets forth the greatness of God, and the safety of His people.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist is here exhorting the faithful to patience and quietness, that they may not be troubled by the tumults of the world, but may rather wait for the salvation of God.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. God is Our Refuge (Psalms 46:1-3) — The psalmist begins by affirming that God is our refuge and strength, and that He is always with us. This is a powerful reminder that God is not just a distant God, but a God who is intimately involved in our lives.
2. The Chaos of the World (Psalms 46:2-3) — The psalmist describes the chaos and turmoil of the world, with mountains shaking and nations raging. However, he reminds us that God is in control and that we have no need to fear.
3. God is Our Help (Psalms 46:4-5) — The psalmist affirms that God is our help, and that He is always with us. This is a powerful reminder that God is not just a distant God, but a God who is intimately involved in our lives.
4. The Call to Trust (Psalms 46:8-10) — The psalmist calls us to trust in God, and to be still in His presence. This is a powerful reminder that God is in control, and that we can trust in Him alone.
5. The Conclusion (Psalms 46:11) — The psalmist concludes by affirming that God is our God, and that He will be exalted among the nations. This is a powerful reminder that God is not just a God for Israel, but a God for all nations.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of God's Presence

Psalms 46 teaches us that God is always with us, and that He is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. This doctrine is central to the Christian faith, and reminds us that God is not just a distant God, but a God who is intimately involved in our lives.

The Doctrine of God's Power

The chapter emphasizes God's power and ability to deliver us from all our fears and troubles. This doctrine reminds us that God is not just a God of love, but a God of power and might.

The Doctrine of Trust

The psalmist calls us to trust in God, and to be still in His presence. This doctrine reminds us that trust is not just a feeling, but a choice that we must make every day.

The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty

The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, and reminds us that He is in control of all that happens in the world. This doctrine reminds us that God is not just a God of love, but a God of wisdom and justice.

Lessons from Psalms 46

1. The Importance of Trust — Psalms 46 teaches us the importance of trusting in God's power and presence. We can learn to trust in God by seeking to know Him more fully, and by being quiet in His presence.
2. The Power of God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes the power of God's presence in our lives. We can learn to seek God's presence, and to trust in His power to deliver us from all our fears and troubles.
3. The Call to Be Still — The psalmist calls us to be still in God's presence, and to listen to His voice. We can learn to be still by seeking to trust in God more fully, and by being quiet in His presence.
4. The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, and reminds us that He is in control of all that happens in the world. We can learn to trust in God's sovereignty, and to seek to understand His ways.
5. The Importance of Remembering — The psalmist reminds us to remember God's power and presence in our lives. We can learn to remember God's goodness, and to seek to trust in Him more fully.

Themes from Psalms 46

1. The Theme of Trust — Psalms 46 teaches us the importance of trusting in God's power and presence. This theme is central to the Christian faith, and reminds us that trust is not just a feeling, but a choice that we must make every day.
2. The Theme of God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes God's presence in our lives, and reminds us that He is always with us. This theme is a powerful reminder that God is not just a distant God, but a God who is intimately involved in our lives.
3. The Theme of God's Power — The psalmist emphasizes God's power and ability to deliver us from all our fears and troubles. This theme reminds us that God is not just a God of love, but a God of power and might.
4. The Theme of Stillness — The psalmist calls us to be still in God's presence, and to listen to His voice. This theme reminds us that stillness is not just a feeling, but a choice that we must make every day.
5. The Theme of God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all things, and reminds us that He is in control of all that happens in the world. This theme reminds us that God is not just a God of love, but a God of wisdom and justice.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that you can trust in God's power and presence in your life?
2. How can you be still in God's presence, and listen to His voice?
3. What are some ways that you can seek to trust in God more fully, and to be quiet in His presence?
4. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and power in times of trouble?
5. What are some ways that you can share the message of Psalms 46 with others, and encourage them to trust in God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 46

	Sermon	Description
	**Long Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill	The video is the first of three phone messages by Revival God's Way, Revival Crane. Revival Crane is known for his powerful preaching and singing. In this message, he discusses the
	God Directs Our Lives by Kathryn Kuhlman	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They share personal anecdotes about their relationship with their earthly father, highl
	God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger	The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of
	Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with
	A Prophetic Message by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher warns of fearful times ahead and the calamities that will come upon the nation. However, he encourages the listeners not to fear but to run to God in t
	(Israel) the Ministry of Refreshing Others by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the pastor shares about the burdens and challenges faced by individuals and families. He mentions a man who lost his wife in a car accident and had sons who ended u
	Short Excerpt by William Booth	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of salvation and its ability to deliver and purify the soul. The sermon encourages the listener to find joy in the salvation offer
	(Europe 2008) Session 1 - a Man Sent From God by B.H. Clendennen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a revival in London and the world. He mentions that before the Wesleyan revival, there were no gospel churches in London, but wh
	(Biographies) Charles Spurgeon by John Piper	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance in preaching, even in the face of adversity and criticism. He encourages preachers to have a long-term perspec
	Trusting God Again Like a Child by Francis Chan	Francis Chan emphasizes the importance of trusting God with childlike faith, urging leaders to genuinely love their congregations and seek God's presence in their ministry. He refl

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 46

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 46 reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, and that He is always with us. The psalmist affirms that God is our help, and that He is always with us, even in the midst of chaos and turmoil. Henry encourages us to trust in God's power and presence, and to be still in His presence, knowing that He is in control. He also reminds us that God is not just a distant God, but a God who is intimately involved in our lives, and that we can trust in Him alone. Henry's commentary is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God, and of seeking to know Him more fully. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?