God Is Our Refuge and Strength

God Is Our Refuge and Strength
Psalm 46

Introduction
Psalm 46 is one of the most reassuring songs in all of Scripture. Written by the sons of Korah, a group of Levites who were responsible for music and temple service, it carries the rhythm and confidence of a hymn meant to be sung by God’s people in times of turmoil. Martin Luther famously drew inspiration from this psalm when he wrote “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” showing how deeply it has touched believers through the centuries. Historically, the psalm likely arose during a time of national threat, when God’s people were surrounded by enemies and facing great fear. Yet the psalmist lifted his eyes above the chaos and reminded Israel of the One who was their fortress and refuge.

As Christians under the New Covenant, we share in the same assurance. The God who was Israel’s fortress has revealed Himself fully in Jesus Christ, and His promise to be “with us” is even stronger today through the Spirit and the body of Christ. In this lesson, we will walk through the psalm, explore its rich promises, and tie them to New Testament truths that show us how God continues to be our refuge and strength.

Historical Context of Psalm 46
Psalm 46 is attributed to the sons of Korah, a Levitical family descended from Korah, who famously rebelled against Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 16). Though Korah perished in judgment, his descendants were preserved (Numbers 26:11), and in later generations they became faithful servants in the temple, leading music and worship. The sons of Korah left us several psalms filled with reverence for God’s presence and confidence in His deliverance.

Most scholars connect Psalm 46 with a specific moment in Israel’s history: the deliverance of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah, when the Assyrian army under Sennacherib surrounded the city (2 Kings 18–19; Isaiah 36–37). The Assyrians had swept through Judah, conquering fortified cities, and now stood at the gates of Jerusalem with overwhelming force. Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, and the prophet Isaiah assured him that God would defend the city. In the night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, and the remaining forces withdrew in defeat (2 Kings 19:35–36).

It is in that context that words like these take on special force: “The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted” (Psalm 46:6). The Assyrians raged, but God spoke, and their power melted away. The people of Jerusalem could truly say, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

This historical backdrop turns the psalm from mere poetry into a battle hymn of trust. The river that makes glad the city of God may even echo the spring of Gihon, which Hezekiah secured for Jerusalem during the siege (2 Chron. 32:2–4, 30). Yet more than physical water, it points to God’s sustaining presence that made His people unshakable while the greatest empire on earth threatened them.

For Christians, the historical deliverance of Jerusalem becomes a type of our spiritual deliverance in Christ. Just as God broke the bow and shattered the spear of Assyria, He has triumphed through Christ over the greatest enemies of sin, Satan, and death. The same God who defended His city then defends His church now.

God’s Help in Trouble (Psalm 46:1–3)
The psalm begins with a bold declaration: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Notice the personal claim: our refuge. God’s protection is not distant or theoretical. He is present, immediate, and active in the life of His people. Even if the earth gives way, even if the mountains are thrown into the sea, we will not fear. These are images of total collapse, but the psalmist reminds us that no amount of shaking can move God’s steady hand.

In the New Testament, this confidence is echoed in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Paul continues to remind us that nothing—tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, or even death—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35–39). The psalmist’s assurance finds its fullest expression in Christ, who is with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

The Presence of God Among His People (Psalm 46:4–7)
The psalm shifts its imagery in verse 4: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.” Ancient Jerusalem had no major river flowing through it, so this image is symbolic. It points to the sustaining presence of God Himself as the source of life, peace, and joy. While nations rage and kingdoms fall, God is in the midst of His people, and because He is there, they will not be moved.

For the Christian, this points forward to the living water Jesus promised in John 7:37–39, where He spoke of the Spirit who would flow from within believers. The river of God’s presence is no longer tied to a physical city but to the people of God who make up the church. Hebrews 12:22–23 reminds us that we have come to “Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven.” Just as the psalmist said, the presence of God secures us and gives us stability, even when the world is unstable.

Beholding the Works of the Lord (Psalm 46:8–9)
The psalmist invites us to “come and see” the works of the Lord. In Israel’s history, that meant remembering God’s deliverance from Egypt, His victories over invading nations, and His ability to bring peace after war. God was the one who broke the bow and shattered the spear. He was the one who made wars cease.

In the New Testament, we see the ultimate work of God in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:15 tells us that through the cross, Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities and triumphed over them. Hebrews 2:14–15 explains that through His death, Jesus destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and delivered those who were in lifelong slavery through fear of death. The victories of the Old Testament foreshadow the greater victory Christ secured over sin, Satan, and death.

Be Still and Know That I Am God (Psalm 46:10–11)
This verse is often quoted in quiet devotionals, but its original setting is one of conflict and turmoil. God is speaking into the noise of war and upheaval, commanding His people to stop striving, to cease panicking, and to recognize that He is God. He will be exalted among the nations, and His glory will fill the earth.

For us today, these words are just as powerful. In a world full of distractions, anxiety, and constant demands, God calls us to trust His sovereignty. Jesus tells us in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Philippians 4:6–7 likewise urges us to stop being anxious and instead bring our requests before God in prayer, promising that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.

The psalm ends with a refrain repeated twice: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” This is the truth the psalmist wanted burned into Israel’s heart. And for us under the New Covenant, it is fulfilled in Christ, who is called “Immanuel, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

Psalm 46 Sermon Outline: God Is Our Refuge and Strength
I. Introduction: Setting of the Psalm
II. Historical Context of Psalm 46
III. God’s Help in Trouble (Psalm 46:1–3)
IV. The Presence of God Among His People (Psalm 46:4–7)
V. Beholding the Works of the Lord (Psalm 46:8–9)
VI. Be Still and Know That I Am God (Psalm 46:10–11)
VII. Conclusion

Call to Action
Psalm 46 challenges us to live with confidence, not fear. The God who shook the earth for Israel now reigns through Christ over every power and enemy. When life shakes us, let us turn to Him as our fortress. Let us be still, resting in His sovereignty, while actively trusting and obeying Him. And let us remember that our worship, our faith, and our hope are all rooted in the God who is “with us.”

Key Takeaways
God is our refuge and strength in every trouble (Psalm 46:1; Romans 8:31–39).
His presence among His people makes them unshakable (Psalm 46:4–7; John 7:37–39; Hebrews 12:22–23).
The greatest work of God is the victory of Christ at the cross (Psalm 46:8–9; Colossians 2:15).
God calls us to cease striving and trust His sovereignty (Psalm 46:10; Philippians 4:6–7).
The Lord of hosts is with us through Christ, Immanuel (Psalm 46:11; Matthew 1:23).

Scripture Reference List
Psalm 46 – God as refuge and fortress.
Numbers 16; Numbers 26:11 – Korah’s rebellion and preservation of his descendants.
2 Kings 18–19; Isaiah 36–37 – Hezekiah’s deliverance from Assyria.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 – Apostolic traditions are authoritative.
Romans 8:31–39 – Nothing separates us from Christ’s love.
Matthew 28:20 – Christ with us always.
John 7:37–39 – The Spirit as living water.
Hebrews 12:22–23 – The church as heavenly Jerusalem.
Colossians 2:15 – Christ’s victory over rulers and powers.
Hebrews 2:14–15 – Deliverance from fear of death.
John 14:27 – Jesus gives true peace.
Philippians 4:6–7 – God’s peace guards hearts and minds.
Matthew 1:23 – Immanuel, God with us.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO