God Is Our Refuge
Study note
No matter what happens — earthquakes, mountains falling into the sea, roaring waters — we will not fear because God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 So we refuse to be afraid, even if the earth crumbles under us. We will not fear, even if mountains fall into the middle of the sea. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 even if ocean waters roar and churn, even if mountains tremble as the waves surge. Selah. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
God Is in the City
Study note
A river makes glad the city of God. God is in the middle of the city, so it will not fall. He will help it at the break of day. Nations rage, but God speaks and the earth melts.
4 A river flows with streams that fill the city of God with gladness — the sanctuary where the Most High has made his home. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is right in the heart of that city. It will not be knocked down. God shows up to help the moment dawn breaks. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 Nations panic. Kingdoms crumble. God speaks up, and the whole earth melts. The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord who commands heaven's armies stands with us. The God of Jacob is our unshakable fortress. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
Be Still and Know
Study note
God stops wars and breaks weapons. He commands: 'Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored among the nations.' The Lord of heavenly armies is with us.
8 Come take a look at what the Lord has done — the jaw-dropping things he has brought about on the earth. Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He puts an end to wars all across the earth. He snaps bows in half, shatters spears, and sets shields on fire. He 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.
10 "Be still and know that I am God. Every nation will honor me. The whole earth will lift me high." Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord who commands heaven's armies stands with us. The God of Jacob is our unshakable fortress. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.