Psalms 46:7 - The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalms 46:7 - The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 

This verse seems to be a short summary of all that David has been describing earlier and an interlude to what is to come. There is really no need to fear because the Almighty God is with us. David highlights two important features of the Almighty God in this verse.

The Almighty Creator’s presence

The KJV uses the phrase “the Lord Hosts”. The hosts represent the heavens and the entire universe. God may be invisible but His invisible qualities are clearly revealed. Look at the size and complexity of the skies and the heavens containing the sun, the moon and the stars, it shows God’s eternal power. The beauty and order and design of creation show God’s divine nature. Our God is creator and ruler of the heavens. I am simply daunted by the immensity of the universe. The millions of galaxies, the vastness of space and the mathematical precision the universe is orchestrated. It’s simply mind blowing.

Psalms 8:3-4 - When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?

And yet David says this God is with us. This magnificent, omnipotent and all knowing and omnipresent God is with ME. What an assurance. The God who created this universe is my God and He is with me. If God is with me I need not fear. 

Psalms 23:4 - Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

The Almighty Saviour’s protection

Very strangely David uses the name of Jacob as a reference - the God of Jacob is our fortress.  The name Jacob represents independence from God. There are more spiritual and godly men like Noah, Abraham and Isaac but David uses Jacob for comparison.  As you may probably know, Jacob means sup-planter or cheater. His early life has been one of cheat, deception and manipulation. He even fooled his own father in a society where patriarchs were treated with reverence and honour. But God did not leave this man. God encountered him and changed him from Jacob to Israel. From a cheater to father of a nation. This God who was with an unworthy man like Jacob is the one who provides protection for us as well.

In life we have done many mistakes. No one is perfect. The Bible tells us that all of are sinners before God. We do not deserve His love of mercy. Maybe you are feeling like that too. But the good news is, just like how God forgave Jacob and made him a prince, God want to do the same for us. Jesus died on the cross for our sins. 
  • John 3:16 - For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

His blood cleanses the worst of sinners. And when we receive Jesus into our lives, He forgives us, makes us His children and grants us the protection we need. 

Is Jesus the Lord of your life? The Almighty Creator’s presence and the Almighty Saviour’s protection is with us. Amen



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