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Kimberly Wagner

Psalm 46's Triumphant Conclusion

Posted on 11.25.11 by Kimberly Wagner | Twitter: @KimberlyWagner7

In a recent post, I shared with you that I need “faith markers” to keep my heart pressing into the path He’s marked out for me. A faith marker works spiritually, much like a trail marker works to help a hiker stay on the right path. When I’m tempted to wander through a wilderness of fear, deception, despair and self-centered thinking, faith markers direct me back on-track. We started working our way through one of my favorite faith markers in my last post, and I will wrap it up today.

Psalm 46 is a faith marker that keeps my heart: 

  • receptive to truth 

I love how this psalm repeats a significant refrain (vv. 7, 11) to grab a heart wandering toward fear and yank it back to the reality of this truth: God is with us, and He’s our MIGHTY FORTRESS! It’s almost as though I can hear the psalmist saying, “Hey, did you forget who’s protecting you?? What are you afraid of?”  

 I also like thinking about the fact that Martin Luther wrote one of my favorite hymns as a paraphrase of this psalm. Every time I sing “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” I relive the truths I’ve learned from using Psalm 46 as a faith marker. 

  • rallied to fresh worship 

There is one statement in this psalm that gets me charged up! It’s when the psalmist makes the point (v. 6) that nations may get in a political tizzy, world dictators may rage or be overthrown . . . but no matter how much nations flex their muscles, none can withstand a directed whisper from God’s lips. He merely utters his voice and the earth will melt. Wow. When I wrap my mind and heart around this truth, it solidifies me with courage and rallies me to true worship of this awesome God I love.
Then in vv. 8-9, the psalmist invites us to check out God’s mighty works, perhaps so we can have a few “aha” moments as we sit in wonder and adoration of One who wields such power, but still tenderly cares for our souls. 

  • radically committed to His purpose 

God stills the clamor in verse ten (much like when Jesus rebuked the raging storm in Luke 8) and reiterates His theme for redemption: “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” This triumphant conclusion reminds me of His purpose for my life and calls me back to a radical commitment to filling the earth with His glory.

 My heart needs moment-by-moment protection to stay on track. That’s why I’m so grateful for the protection of Scripture. God’s Word is a lamp, a sign-post, and for me it serves as a trustworthy trail marker. I’d love to hear some of your favorite passages that serve to protect you from wandering off track!

 

Comments

  1. When I'm tempted to stray off into the land of fear or doubt, I remember Deuteronomy 33, which says, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." And I can't help but run back to the One whose arms are my loving support for anything he calls me to walk through in life!
    posted by Carrie Howell
    on Friday, November 25, 2011 at 8:57 am
  2. Verse 10 is so very special to me: Be still and know that I am God. When we lost our 28 year old son almost 9 years ago, I went into shock: then I felt like a Hand on my shoulder and 'heard' the words: 'Be still and know that I am God'. Those words have been my support when I couldn't figure out why. And now in any disappointments, I still hear the words 'Be still and know that I am God'. He is a sovereign God and does as He pleases in heaven and on earth. Praise God!
    posted by Johanna
    on Friday, November 25, 2011 at 11:49 am
  3. Isaiah 41 verse 10:Do not fear for I am with you,do not be dismayed for I am your God.I will help you and strengthen you,I will uphold you with my rightous hand.This is lyk my daily faith marker when my mind tend to wander I jus remind myself of this,and I get to know that god is in control and nothing is impossible through him.Ameen
    posted by Ruth Busienei
    on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 9:13 am
  4. When I don't know what to do I think of Micah 6:8 - He has shown you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

    Also one more - Exodus 33:13
    If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you ...”

    God's word is good!
    posted by lk
    on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 7:45 pm
  5. Lamentations 3:22 - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion and my soul, therefore I will hope in him. Therefore I will hope in him. This verse in the form of a song walked me through so many fearful places and continues to do so. We serve a faithful God, with big strong arms to protect us wherever we find ourselves. He will walk with us until we reach a safe place.
    posted by Melanie
    on Monday, November 28, 2011 at 9:36 pm
  6. Lamentations 3:22, Isaiah 41:10, Ps 46:10,Deut 33. All these and more are special to me at one time or another. 2Cornithians 12:9- My grace is sufficient for you has been a huge promise to hang on. He is perfecting everything that concerns me, and Isaiah 49:25 He contends with whatever contends with me. How precious He is to love us so much.
    Johanna, I know the pain and grief of losing a son, Ashley, age 22, 8 years ago. Have you read Heaven Is For Real about the four year old? It was a hug to us. Blessings to all you dear sisters as we abide in Jesus.
    posted by Rose
    on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 7:10 pm

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