Psalms 46 : 2-3 - We will not fear

Psalms 46:1-3 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore  we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

In the previous post I alluded that the Psalmist postulated three scenarios (probably his own personal experiences) where God has been his refugee, his strength and ever present by his side. And these three situations are all encompassing of our walk in this world. That's means for a believer God is with him in every situation and God is the protector, the strengthener and the very present help for life’s entire journey.

With this as the basis for living, David concludes that there is really no cause for fear. David is not just speaking from a theological  exegesis but also what he had experienced in his life. In his encounter with Goliath, God was his strength, in his affairs with Saul, God was his refuge and when he was totally lost when he went to the enemy side, God was still with him. That's is why when everything seemed doom for David in Psalms 43, David immediately recovers and says in verse 5 - Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Because he has learnt that God is always with him no matter what happens.

In verse 1, David outlined three situations where  God responds.

In verse 2-3, David share three situations where he responds without fear. And this is only possible if verse 1 is put in the right perspective. Because without God in the centre, fear and sin dominates one's life.

David responds without fear in the following situations:

Firstly Physical instability -  the earth gives way.  The earth represents the physical blessings that we enjoy. God made man, so that he will rule the earth (Gen 1:28). When God blessed the patriarchs,  one of the blessing was the land (earth). And David says even of all the blessings were to be taken away, even if I am physically  ill, I will not fear. Why? verse 1 is the answer. That is why when Job was stripped of all his physically blessings and was inflicted with a terrible plague, he was still able to praise God. God was more than sufficient that all the material blessings this world affords. That is why David says in Psalms 84:10 - A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. (NLT). 

Secondly mental instability - even when the mountains be cast in the sea and quake with surging.    The mountains speak security and defense.  Psalms 125:2 - As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore (NLT). A sense of security is often related to the state of one's mind and even when I am depressed (mental pressure), I will not fear. Because God.... Psalms 69 is a narrative where David decries the mental pressures that he has to go through.  It was so bad that he was even a stranger to his own family.  It was almost game over for him. But when we come to the end of that Psalm, David says Psalms 69:32-33  - Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged.  For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people.

Thirdly, emotional instability - even when the  waters thereof roar and be troubled.  The raging winds and the waves are often a picture of a lack of peace, a state of hopelessness, fear and emotional breakdown. Even in this situation, David said there is no cause for fear because God is my refuge, my strength and my present help.

I am sure we can all put ourselves in these situations. We all go through these but unfortunately often with fear and worry. Today the scriptures challenges us to bury our  fears, put our faith and confidence in Him because God is with us. And that's all that matters. What can anything do to me.

To God be the glory.