God is Present

You may have heard the expression, “I live a “full life.” This can raise the question, “What’s it full of?”

Psalm 46 is a powerful reminder that in a world filled with busyness, chaos, uncertainty, and conflict, God is our unshakable refuge. This psalm speaks deeply to both the turbulence we experience in life as well as the enduring peace that only God can provide.

The psalm begins with a profound and comforting declaration: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear..." (Psalm 46:1–2a). This is both a positive statement (God is our refuge) and a response to a negative reality (we face trouble). It's not that trouble is absent; it's that in trouble, God is present.

Psalm 46 doesn’t sugarcoat the harsh realities of life. It describes natural disasters, turmoil, fear, rage, and conflict. “Though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea… though the waters thereof roar and be troubled…” (Psalm 46:2–3). These verses reflect not only the literal upheaval of geography and disasters, but also the emotional and societal upheavals, and crisis we experience today.

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed with these challenges.  These verses remind us: life can shake, but God doesn’t. Even when the world rages around us (Psalm 46:6), God’s voice brings calm. This echoes what Jesus said in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The Bible doesn’t promise a trouble-free life. It promises God is with us in the trouble, even in the eye of the storm, and this is a message that Psalm 46 repeats throughout.

In contrast to the raging chaos, we see a vision of peace in verse 4: “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God…” Rivers, in the ancient world, were signs of sustenance, joy, and life. This verse points us to the life-giving presence of God; the river being a symbol of God’s presence with His people. Psalm 46:5 adds, “God is in the midst of that river and life, and it will not be moved.” This is the source of unshakable peace — not the absence of conflict, but the presence of God.

The turning point and comfort of the psalm is God’s own command: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

In a world that equates stillness with weakness or passivity, this is countercultural. God invites us to stop striving, stop panicking, and rest in His strength, power and presence.

In Philippians 4:6–7, Paul writes: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This is the very peace Psalm 46 talks about — a peace rooted not in perfect circumstances, but in the perfect character of God.

When you are facing a personal storm: illness, job loss, anxiety, severed relationship, or grief, Psalm 46 invites you to shift your focus. Don’t deny the storm. Acknowledge it. But then, anchor your soul and hope in the One who assures you, “I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

The world may shake, but God remains. So today, let us be still — and know.

4832 Ponderings:

• What storm are you currently facing? Name it. God knows your thoughts and hears your prayers, but for your own benefit and assurance, say it out loud.
• Where or how do you find a place of stillness? It might be a quiet, private place. It might be through listening to music, reading a devotion or portion of scripture.  Don’t forget to go there, and know that God is with you.

Take a moment to listen, watch and embrace the promise and peace of Psalm 46 in this song, “In the Eye of the Storm.”