Psalm 46:1 Context
The psalms are songs full of deep emotion and can serve as a helpful guide as we pour out our own fears, distress, and praise before God.
Psalm 46 is near the beginning of book 2 of Psalms, which introduces the sons of Korah, and has many songs of lament and distress, but also has a firm reliance on God’s faithfulness.
There are many types of psalms; this particular one is a song of confidence in God’s power and delivering hand.
Psalm 46:1 Bible verse interpretation
Psalm 46:1 Meaning
Sets up the idea that God is our refuge in times of trouble; the following verses expound on the “trouble.” So then, when looking at this verse, it is important to also look at the two verses that follow:
“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
It does not say that God’s help means bad things won’t happen. On the contrary, these verses paint a vivid picture of a world full of upheaval and strife.
In the Ancient Near East, the sea was considered a terrifying thing. It was unpredictable. It could kill you in an instant.
So the image of the sea roaring and foaming and sucking even the mighty mountains into its depths must have been a very powerful image.
And yet, the authors declare, “We will not fear.” Why will we not fear? Because of verse 1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Notice the psalm says, “God is . . . our strength.” It is not we who are strong in the face of loss or fear, but God who is strong on our behalf.
And he is not far away but “ever-present.” He is our help. He is our safe place. He is our strength.
Bible verse about God as refuge and strength
Psalm 46:1 Application
Next time you feel yourself getting overwhelmed by anxiety, remember the truths of Psalm 46:1. Remind yourself that you don’t need to fear because God is right here with you.
He is the only true shelter in a world thrown into chaos. He is your help in times of trouble.
As we saw before, the Psalms were written as songs where the authors poured out their hearts to God, and we can use them as guides for our own prayers.
If you are having trouble clinging to the promise of Psalm 46:1, you can try praying it, with something like, “God, I am afraid. It feels like the earth is giving way beneath me.
I know you said you are an ever-present help in trouble, so please help me now. Help me to take refuge in you.
Help me to stop trying to be strong and trust in your strength instead. Help me to feel your presence near me through all this.”
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Psalm 46:1 devotional insight