We have security because we serve the Lord of Glory. His Word brings us clarity, comfort and confidence for every season of the disciple’s life. The Psalms carry spirit breathed power and encouragement by what they reveal about God and often times give a voice to our thoughts and hearts. Much of the Psalms were forged in fire brought by real life. Think about David and his journey of life – then think about where many of these Psalms were written. David was on the run, he experienced great victories, defeats – sometimes he wrote from a place of guilt, other times in overwhelming gratitude. We see a range of topics covered in the Psalms that minister greatly to us including joy, sorrow, fear, anger, repentance, hope and worship.
In Joy – they give us the words to use for praise
In uncertainty – they give us truth to hold on to
In our failures – they remind us of mercy
In sorrow – they show us the reality of a need for security and comfort
Spurgeon said, “The Psalms are the mirror of the soul, reflecting every experience of the human heart.”
One of the incredible benefits brought by God’s Word and the Spirit’s ministry through it to us is security. When we experience seasons of hardship, loss and uncharted waters that we have not experienced – we are reminded that we have security in who we serve. Disciples of Jesus Christ have been delivered from sin, and adopted as sons and daughters of the God who spoke creation into existence. Disciples also live in light of who God is, and understand that there is not only freedom, but great security in the one we serve. We ask questions like – who am I living my life for, who was I made to be and what am I called to do? We were created, redeemed and are sustained to bring glory to God. The disciple no longer lives for themselves, but every breath, our work, our worship, our relationships all exist to bring God glory. This brings to light an important question – how does knowing God, and submitting to His Lordship, bring security to our lives?
Psalm 46 is a mighty testament to this reality for the believer. Security is not found in our self perceived control, methods of self-comfort, worldly escapes or vices – security is found in the very presence and Glory of God.
A.W. Tozer said, “The man who has found God and lives for His glory has no reason left to be afraid.”
Living in the focus of God’s glory teaches us many things including to rest safe in who God is, to remain steadfast, and sometimes we are called to be still.
Psalm 46:1-11
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives 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. 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. 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.
Secure, Safe and Still reminders from Psalm 46.
I. The Glory of God Is Our Security (vv. 1)
Living for the Glory of God brings security like no other.
Notice how the Psalmist does not say “my strength” or “my wisdom is my refuge,” but “God is our refuge.” His glory is not some imaginary distant light, it’s a sheltering and secure presence.
When our lives center on glorifying Christ, we know that storms will not wreck us. The disciple’s safety is not in stability of circumstance but in steadfastness of our Sovereign God.
II. The World Shifts and Changes, but God’s Glory Does Not (vv. 2-3)
“Though the mountains be moved”, “though the waters roar and foam.”
Mountains are mighty and seem to be unmovable, but even if the most stable things collapse, God’s glory remains unchanging and immovable. David’s echoes Isaiah 6, where the prophet saw the Lord “high and lifted up.” When everything on earth shook, heaven stood firm.
John MacArthur comments,
“The believer’s peace is not found in the absence of trouble but in the presence of God’s glory.”
The disciple who beholds Christ’s majesty sees life’s chaos through the lens of divine control. Our fear subsides when our eyes are fixed not on the waves but on the One who commands them.
III. The River of God’s Presence is What Sustains the Soul (vv. 4-5)
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.”
The psalmist then shifts from seas that roar, to a quiet river. This is a reminder of the steady and unending flow of God’s grace. The river shows us that God’s presence is what refreshes His people.
John Bunyan described this security:
“He who has Christ in his heart carries a well of living water wherever he goes.”
When our life and service are rooted in God’s glory, our souls are sustained by this very same river. We may experience dry seasons, but never total draught, because the believer who abides in Christ will never lack the living water.
IV. The Glory of God Commands Stillness (vv. 6-10)
“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts…
‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations.’”
This verse isn’t just a call to rest – it calls us to recognize divine supremacy. To “be still” is to trust, to cease our anxieties and stress, and to surrender control. We do this by beholding and adoring God’s sovereign glory.
“The glory of God is not an added thing; it is the expression of His being. To know Him is to rest in Him.” – AW Tozer
The disciple who lives for God’s glory learns how to exercise this stillness. It is a peace that comes from knowledge of the Holy One. We stop fighting for our own control when we remember that His name will be exalted among the nations.
V. The Lord of Glory Is with Us (vv. 7, 11)
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
This refrain closes the psalm twice, and is a divine signature of assurance.
The phrase “Lord of hosts” (Yahweh Sabaoth) means Commander of heavenly armies. The God who commands galaxies is personally present with His people.
Spurgeon wrote, “It is impossible to exaggerate the security of those who dwell in the presence of God.”
That is the believer’s glory and peace: the Lord of all creation indwells His people by His Spirit. What began in Isaiah’s vision, the glory of the Lord filling the temple, now fills every redeemed heart.
VI. Living for the Glory of God – Our Eternal Safety
To live for God’s glory is to live inside a fortress that cannot fall. When Christ is our treasure, His glory becomes our safe haven. Our lives glorify God through trust, our service glorifies Him through walking in obedience, and our fellowship with one another glorifies Him through unity and love.
Even death cannot threaten our security, for glory is where we are headed, our destination, as well as our refuge:
“When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” – Colossians 3:4
Closing Thought
- Where do you seek refuge today? If your peace depends on circumstances, the quakes and storms of life will shake you. But if it rests in the glory of God, you will never be moved.
- How can your service glorify Him this week? Quiet faithfulness displays His stability to a shaken world.
- How does fellowship show His glory? When believers love one another through trials, the watching world sees the beauty of the gospel.