“
A sure stronghold our God is He,
A timely shield and weapon;
Our help He’ll ever be, and set us free
From every ill can happen.
And were the world with devils filled,
All eager to devour us,
Our souls to fear shall little yield,
They cannot overpower us.
~Martin Luther, 1521
Big Idea:
Happen what may, God’s people are happy and secure because we serve the God who defends
Outline:
1-3 A Celebration
4-7 A Recitation
8-11 An Invitation
Psalm 46: The God Who Defends
(verses)
A Celebration:
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Psalm 46:1-3
“
All other refuges are refuges of lies. All other strength is weakness, for power belongeth unto God: but as God is all-sufficient, our defense and might are equal to all emergencies. ~Charles Spurgeon
A Recitation:
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:4-7
“
If we perish, Christ must perish too, and if it must be so, be it so; I had rather perish with Christ, that great Ruler of the world, than prosper with Caesar.” ~John Collinges, 1624-1690
An Invitation:
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots 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 of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:8-11