FEAR NOT: Because God Is
Day 12When the Mountains Move
Scripture
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Selah
Psalm 46:1–3 · · ESV
The heading of Psalm 46 tells us it is attributed to the Sons of Korah, a family of Levites connected with Israel’s temple music. The psalm was given to the choirmaster, a song intended for Israel’s worship.
It begins with a picture of almost unimaginable devastation. Mountains falling into the sea. Waters that roared. Everything that seemed immovable was suddenly moving.
The Israelites understood what it was like to live in a world of chaos. Nations went to war. Kingdoms rose and fell. Enemies threatened their land. There were times when they could not know whether their homes would remain safe or whether the walls around Jerusalem would hold against enemy attacks.
We can imagine how this song may have sounded when God’s people gathered for worship during those uncertain times.
Packed shoulder-to-shoulder in the temple, the Israelites watched as the Sons of Korah stepped forward and began to sing:
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
Imagine the music flooding the sanctuary as the people joined in: “Therefore we will not fear.”
They were singing courage to each other. Again and again in this study, we have heard God say “Fear not.” This time it was not an angel or a prophet saying, “Fear not.” This time the people were reminding one another of the God of their ancestors.
Later in the psalm comes the refrain: “The lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” The “Fear not” had moved from something God was saying to something His people had begun to believe. Not because there was nothing frightening around them. There was. And not because they knew how everything would turn out. They did not.
They would not fear because they knew God was their refuge.
And the God who was with His people in their fear would one day come near in a way they could not yet imagine.
Much of my own fear circles around the unknown. I don’t know if my family will be okay. I don’t know if things will suddenly change. I don’t know what tomorrow may bring.
Sometimes I want God to promise that the mountains won’t shake. Psalm 46 doesn’t promise that our circumstances will remain steady, but it reminds us that our refuge is found in God. We cannot control everything that shakes our lives. But we can learn their song:
God is our refuge. God is our strength. God is present here. Therefore, we will not fear.
FEAR NOT when the world seems unstable.
BECAUSE GOD IS our refuge and strength.
What scripture or song has helped you remember God’s faithfulness during a difficult time?
Prayer
The world feels unsteady right now. It trembles. It seems to be shaking with change all around me. But You are my refuge and strength. I cast my fears upon You. You are my rock, my fortress, and my salvation.
Amen.
Amelia