As I read and reflected on Psalm 46 I was struck by the contrasts communicated by the psalmist. Of course he highlights the obvious contrast of man's ways versus God's, but he also communicates the seemingly polar attributes of God's character.
At times in this psalm the truth slaps you in the face, and other times you have to read between the lines. In fact, as the psalm commands, you have to be still and listen.
At first glance I observed the changeful and temporal nature of the earth and its inhabitants contrasted with the changeless and eternal nature of God. Mountains are moved, the waters roar, the earth shakes, kingdoms are established and destroyed as people battle one another throughout the ages. But, Yahweh – the eternal and self-existent one, God above all gods – remains present and available to provide help and strength and refuge.
A second reading revealed the gamut of human responses to calamity, from fear and anxiety to confidence and stillness. Bad things happen all around us - economies fail, wars rage, natural disasters happen, the evil prosper and the good suffer. Our response to these things is a direct reflection of our understanding of God. We can weather the difficulties, uncertainty, and fearful situations if we know who our God truly is and believe that the fulness of his character is available to us.
It was in my third time of reflection that the breadth and depth of God's character commanded my attention. In our "God of the New Testament" culture, I think we often miss out on what really makes our God different from the one dimensional gods of other religions.
God is holy and exalted above us, yet he chooses to be very present with us. His ways and character are beyond our understanding, yet he desires to be known and experienced by his people. He creates and remains sovereign over his creation, but allows that same creation to destroy itself. The same God who utters his voice in destructive power, speaks softly to comfort and reassure his fearful child. Many cannot grasp the significance of these contrasting attributes or characteristics, but if they would it would provide a stronger foundation for them in the storms of life.
Of course, I wouldn't be a true reformed theologian if I didn't remind myself and others that this was the psalm on which Martin Luther based his famous song "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" - a song whose lyrics and melody kept running through my mind as I reflected on God's character revealed in Psalm 46. What powerful truths are communicated in this timeless hymn. If you have time, listen to a version recorded by Chris Rice, but at the very least reflect on the words below.A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.
This is the God in whom I place my trust - Amen and Amen!
