Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos
Conversations with God 5.0
Psalm 46
by Eric Stillman
October 15th, 2006

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A few weeks ago I had preached from Psalm 32 on confession, and I introduced it by explaining that you don’t read the Psalms as you would a historical book, or a gospel, or one of Paul’s letters in the New Testament.  This may seem obvious to you, but I know that I along with many people can fall into the trap of trying to analyze a Psalm the way I might analyze the book of Romans, trying to understand the flow and the argument instead of letting the Psalm lead me into worship of God and teach me how to interact with God.  And I think that, as I continue through this series on prayer, I’m finding that the Psalms are so often the best place to go in order to learn about prayer.  Instead of analyzing what someone might have said about prayer, sometimes it is more beneficial to listen to how the Israelites approached God, and let that lead you into prayer.  What this means is that this morning’s sermon is going to be very interactive.  I’m going to be talking less than I usually do, and you’re going to be listening to me less than you usually do (ha-ha).  Instead, we’re going to be listening together to God’s Word, and listening to God’s Spirit as He speaks to us this morning. 

Some Biblical texts are meant to be analyzed, dissected, understood, and then applied.  Some texts require a long look at the history, context, semantics, linguistics, and other facets of the text.  But others are meant to be felt; some we need to allow to bring out our emotions and guide us in interacting with God as we are.  This morning is one of those times.  We’re going to spend time in Psalm 46 as we continue to try to understand prayer, communication with God.  Psalm 46 deals with probably the simplest form of prayer that there is, in my opinion, but perhaps the most important and the most profound.  I believe that God is going to deal with many of you this morning in ways that you desperately need, and is going to stir up in you a deeper desire for him.  Let’s pray, and then we will read together.

Psalm 46:1-11  For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  ² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,  ³ though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah  ⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.  ⁵ God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.  ⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.  ⁷ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah  ⁸ Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.  ⁹ He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.  ¹⁰ "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  ¹¹ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah