1For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,3though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
4There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.5God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns.6Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.7The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth.9He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.10“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”11The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
What’s happening. A song for the community, probably written when Jerusalem was under threat from powerful enemies. Martin Luther’s hymn “A Mighty Fortress” is based on it.
What it means. Even if the whole world seems to fall apart, with mountains falling into the sea, God is a refuge and strength, always ready to help. The psalm does not deny that trouble comes. It says where to stand when it does.
What’s happening. The end of Psalm 46. After describing God stopping wars and breaking weapons, God himself speaks.
What it means. “Be still” here means stop, let go, cease striving, almost like “Enough!” said over the noise of battle. It is a call to stop fighting and fretting and recognise that he is God and will be honoured over all nations. The refrain repeats the comfort: the Lord of armies is with us.