The Pilgrim Path---Psalm 46: 1—11

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD of Hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

THE LORD OF HOSTS Is with Us…

The genius of the Protestant Reformation was a “return” of the Church to Holy Scripture. Get back to the Word---get back to the Christ of God. This was the key. This was what Martin Luther delivered to the people of God: salvation by grace through faith alone in The Holy Son of God. My---what an impact. The world still feels the shockwaves. What we must “contend” with over time---the waves of disturbing change and tumult---that are a part of our world---and the very nature of mankind! We need, “A Mighty Fortress” in this ole world---We need to know God---and rest in HIM. Psalm 46 is the basis of the famous hymn. LORD Willing, we will sing it during Reformation Conference.

Pull out your Bible and please quickly consider the eleven verses of Psalm 46:

---verse 1---Foundations are important: the only adequate foundation in Life is Jehovah-Jesus

---verse 2---Fearless are the Followers of King Jesus---knowing HE can keep them

---verse 3---Foaming and fierce may be the times---that is how the world “often” appears

---verse 4---Familiar River flows / from the Father of Glory---His Holy Habitation (See Rev. 22)

---verse 5---Fully available to His own---The LORD God to His People ( we cry “Abba Father”)

---verse 6---Falling ---“tottering” the kingdoms / but His Kingdom will remain ( end of Hebrews 12)

---verse 7---Fortress-Like---The LORD of Hosts is with Us: The Shepherd of Souls is with His People---His rod and staff comfort Us (Always---ask Him to help you understand his comfort)

---verse 8---Focus on the works of the LORD: Creation / Providence / Redemption ---there is No One to compare to HIM! “Glance at your problems---Gaze at The LORD Jesus.”

---verse 9---Final Authority is HIS: HE makes wars to cease… He promotes one / He places another aside---“He’s got the whole World---In His Hands.”

---verse 10---FACE Your restlessness---And know That God IS God---And REST in HIM…

---verse 11---Fortress-Like: Jehovah-JESUS “is” with Us…(where do you go in trouble?)

“If any man despises music, as fanatics do, for him I have no liking; for music is a gift and grace of God, not an invention of men. Thus, it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity and other devices.” Martin Luther

“If all the world were on your side, you might yet have cause to fear. But to have God on Your side is infinitely more. Christ the Captain of your Salvation has gone this way before you, and now he is engaged to make you a conqueror. Do not be afraid when Christ is leading the way. Do not draw back when you see his steps and his blood.” Richard Baxter

“LORD, to ‘be still’ means not to be anxious or fretting or complaining or boasting. So, show me who you are---your absolute power and infinite love for me---until I am still. Amen.” Tim and Kathy Keller

From Dr. James Boice:

On the day he died John Wesley had already nearly lost his voice and could be understood only with difficulty. But at the last with all the strength he could summon, Wesley suddenly called out, “The best of all, God is with us.” Then, raising his hand slightly and waiving it in triumph, he exclaimed again with thrilling effect, “The best of all is, God is with us.” Is the LORD Almighty with you? Is the God of Jacob your refuge, as he was for Martin Luther and John Wesley? Make sure that he is. The storms of life will come, and the greatest storm of all will be the final judgment. Make Christ your refuge now, while there is time.

Grace and Peace in Jesus, The Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason