March 8, 2017
FEAR INSURANCE
Psalm 46
Kyle Thompson
Central Truth
God is sovereign and in control of everything.
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." (A.W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy)
Key Verse | Psalm 46:1–2, 10
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear . . . .
"Be still and know that I am God."
(Psalm 46:1-2a, 10a)
Psalm 46
God Is Our Fortress
To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. 1 46:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term A Song.
1
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present
2
46:1
Or well proved
help in trouble.
2
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8
Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Dive Deeper | Psalm 46
A number of years ago, I found myself often melting under the worries, fears, and adversity of life. I lost perspective that God is sovereign and in control. I became increasingly aware of, and convicted by, this sin. I decided to memorize some psalms to run through my heart and mind when the "worries of the world" (Mark 4:19, NASB) rose up in me. Psalm 46 was among them.
I'm in the oil and gas exploration and production business. Two years ago, when oil price dropped from $100 a barrel to under $40 a barrel, once again I saw my tendency to drift to insecurity and fear rather than trusting in God's sovereign control.
Other circumstances in my life have reminded me that nothing can separate me from God's love, which is in Christ Jesus—not even a failing marriage (I'm thankful God brought this dead thing back to life), business setbacks, the sudden death of my dad, or my own moral failure. People around me know that 1 Peter 1:13-17 is one of my favorite passages. In light of who God is I must "rest in Him," but also "set my mind to action." I must seek His kingdom and righteousness first, and all these things will be added to me as well.
God is my refuge and strength when I commit to do these things: follow His Word, walk by His Spirit, and seek wisdom from His people. Only then am I able to live under His protection, to cease striving and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10), and to live with Him as my Stronghold.
I want to be a man who does that daily.
Discussion Questions
1. What is overwhelming you today? How are you operating in a way that reflects that this world, instead of God, is your refuge and strength?
2. What passages do you need to memorize so they can run through your heart and mind as you begin to get overwhelmed? Some suggestions from the Psalms: 1, 16, 18, 19, 46, 103, 127, and 139.
3. One way God uses His church is to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). Are there aspects of your life that are isolating you and not allowing God to use others committed to Him to help you and minister to you?
4. As an "action point" for today, share your answer to Question 3 with the biblical community in your life. If you are living isolated, vulnerable, and alone, take action today to get into biblical community. In the Metroplex, you can call (214) 361-2275 and ask for help in finding community at Watermark.