Psalm 46, NKJV
Sermon by Pastor Nathan Johnson, 2/23/2025
In a world that often feels like an incubator for fear, anxiety, and unease, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the challenges we face. Yet, for those who have faith, there’s a powerful truth to hold onto: fear is not an option.
This message resonates deeply through the words of Psalm 46, a psalm of confidence that speaks to the heart of human struggles and divine assurance. Written in a time of great peril, when Jerusalem was besieged by a formidable enemy, this psalm reminds us that even in our darkest hours, God remains our ultimate refuge and strength.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” These words paint a vivid picture of unwavering faith in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. They challenge us to trust in God’s power and presence, even when the world around us is crumbling.
But what does it mean to say that fear is not an option? It’s not a call to ignore reality or pretend that difficulties don’t exist. Rather, it’s an invitation to shift our focus from the storms of life to the One who calms them. It’s a reminder that our security lies not in stable circumstances, but in an unchanging God.
This truth becomes even more poignant when we consider the world we live in today. We’re surrounded by change, uncertainty, and upheaval. Symbols and structures we once relied on are being challenged or dismantled. Political landscapes shift like sand, economic systems falter, and social norms evolve at a dizzying pace. In the midst of this tumult, it’s natural to feel afraid. But the message remains: fear is not an option.
Why? Because of three fundamental truths:
- The Reality of God: “God is.” These two simple words carry immense power. No matter what ceases to be, what comes to be, or who claims to be, God is. He was God before, He’s God now, and He’ll be God after. This unchanging reality provides an anchor for our souls in the stormiest seas.
- Our Relationship with God: The psalm doesn’t just say “God is,” but “God is our refuge and strength.” This personal relationship transforms everything. God is our shelter, our high place of security where enemies can’t reach. He’s our strength, capacitating us for circumstances beyond our natural abilities. He’s our supply, providing for our needs even when all external sources are cut off. And He’s our savior, delivering us in ways we could never anticipate.
- God’s Residence: The Lord of hosts is with us. He’s not distant or detached, but present and active in our lives. This isn’t a god who needs to be summoned or appeased, but the living God who chooses to dwell among His people. He’s with us in our struggles and successes, our progress and regress.
These truths should revolutionize how we face life’s challenges. When we truly grasp that the all-powerful, covenant-keeping God is with us, fear loses its grip. We can echo the psalmist’s words: “Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”
This doesn’t mean life will be easy or free from trouble. The psalm acknowledges roaring waters, shaking mountains, and raging nations. But it also speaks of a river that makes glad the city of God, a reminder that God’s presence brings joy and sustenance even in the midst of turmoil.
There’s a powerful historical context to this imagery. When Jerusalem was besieged, the enemy tried to cut off their water supply, hoping to force surrender. But years earlier, a tunnel had been dug to bring water into the city from a hidden spring. What looked like certain defeat from the outside was actually a situation of divine provision.
How often do we face circumstances that seem hopeless from our limited perspective? Yet, like the people of Jerusalem, we have an unseen source of strength and supply. The God who is with us is working in ways we can’t always see or understand.
The psalm concludes with a challenge and a promise: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” In the face of chaos and fear, we’re called to stillness – not a passive resignation, but an active trust in God’s sovereignty and power.
This message of fearlessness in the face of adversity isn’t just for those who already have a relationship with God. The invitation is open to all. “Whosoever will, let him come,” the scriptures declare. Anyone who calls on the name of Jesus can enter into this relationship of trust and security.
As we navigate the complexities and challenges of our world, let’s hold fast to these truths. God is. He is our refuge and strength. He is with us. In light of these realities, fear truly is not an option. Instead, we can face each day with confidence, knowing that the God who holds the universe in His hands also holds us.
May we be people who, like the psalmist, can declare in the face of any circumstance: “The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” In this truth, we find the courage to live boldly, love freely, and serve wholeheartedly, unshackled by fear and full of faith in our ever-present, all-powerful God.