Psalms 46:1-11 - Homiletics

Our Refuge.

The whole spirit of this noble psalm is condensed in this one phrase—"God is our Refuge." The Hebrew, as the margin of our Bibles shows, has a different word in Psalms 46:7 , Psalms 46:11 from Psalms 46:1 , signifying "a high place" (Revised Version, "or a high tower")—a retreat beyond reach of foes. The word in Psalms 46:1 means "somewhere [or, 'some one'] to trust in. " These two thoughts — trust and safety —are well expressed in our word " Refuge. " Take the whole psalm as embodying and enforcing this sentiment.

I. IN TROUBLE WE NEED A REFUGE . In bodily sickness and weakness, healing ministry, careful watching, an arm to lean on. In perplexity, a wise counsellor. In want, danger, or misfortune, timely succour. In sorrow, sympathy and comfort. Under sense of sin, a voice of forgiveness. To lean helplessly on others when we ought to put our own shoulder to the wheel, is unmanly and shameful. But the pride of independence is an illusion when it makes us forget how constantly and how much we depend on one another. None is self-sufficient.

II. GOD IS THE ALL - SUFFICIENT , NEVER - FAILING REFUGE OF HIS CHILDREN . The Hebrew for "very present" means literally " greatly found;" not far to seek, but nigh at hand; not difficult to find, but offering himself; found by experience to be all that he promises, all that we need. Human ministry can do much in the lesser troubles of life; it is God's appointed way of help. But when "the mountains" are removed—in the great crises and overwhelming sorrows, dangers, burdens of life, nothing will serve short of this—"underneath are the everlasting arms." Above all, in spiritual troubles. "Who can forgive sin but God alone?" Who but Jesus can shepherd us through the dark valley?

III. WHEN TROUBLE DRIVES US TO OUR REFUGE , IT FULFILS ITS MISSION . The curse becomes a blessing, and sorrow bears fruit in joy. In fair weather the ships pass gaily by the harbour of refuge; in the storm they make for it. It is easy to stand at the helm with a fair breeze and smooth sea. Easy to stand sentry in time of peace. Easy to trust God with a well-spread table and home bright with blooming faces. In the tempest; in war, when the bullet sings through the dark night, and the blast is freezing to the bone; or by the bed of sick, perhaps dying child,—not so easy! But then it is that God's help is "found" by those who trust him ( Genesis 22:14 ; John 6:18-20 ).

REMARK :

1 . This is the testimony of experience. God is found to be such a Help and Refuge. All the conclusions of science do not rest on a broader basis of induction, a surer witness of experience, than the faith of God's Church.

2 . Trouble is not necessarily a means of grace or blessing; has no natural power to drive or lead men to God. We must hear God's voice in it; feel his hand; be led by his Spirit ( 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 ). Sad, indeed, if our troubles be wasted,—all misery and no blessing!