1To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.7The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.11The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. 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.