Friday, December 27 – Psalms 46, 80

1. How is the Lord more powerful than the nations? (Psalm 46:8-9)

2. How can we remain still during trials? (Psalm 46:10)

3. How does Psalm 80:8-11 describe the Lord’s blessing and care for His people?

Commentary and Reflection:

Psalm 46 is beloved, cherished, and often memorized by God’s children. It declares that the Lord is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. Many of us have experienced the truth of these words during moments of loss, accidents, or deep sorrow.

A brief note about the expression “A Song for Alamoth”: Commentators agree that its meaning is uncertain. However, the Andrews Study Bible Commentary compares it to 1 Chronicles 15:20, where the same term is used. It explains that some translate it as “for maidens,” implying a higher pitch in musical instruments for women. (Andrews Study Bible Commentary, Psalm 46:1-11).

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary provides this insight:

“Ps. 46 has been designated Luther’s Psalm, because the great Reformer, who was accustomed to singing it in time of trouble, paraphrased it in his hymn, “A Mighty Fortress,” No. 261 in The Church Hymnal. The psalm is a glorious hymn on the theme that, in the midst of the upheavals of nations, God’s people are safe. To express this theme, so pertinent also to the last days, the psalmist chose a form of verse unusually regular for Hebrew poetry. Three stanzas practically equal in length, with refrain and Selah appropriately placed, present pictures involving striking contrasts: roaring waters and rocking mountains, and a quiet river; nations in turmoil, and the earth melting at the voice of the Lord; the desolation of war, and God ruling quietly above the nations. After a notable victory in the days of Jehoshaphat, the Israelites sang this hymn (see PK 201–203). Ps.46, 47, 48 are closely related in thought and probably share the same background. That David was the author of Ps. 46 may be inferred from PK 203.” (SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 46).

Verses 2 and 3 describe the turbulence we face in a sinful world. The Lord is and will remain our refuge and strength in times of trials and challenges.

A striking contrast exists between the world’s turmoil and the peace in Jerusalem, the City of God. While the world convulses, the City of God stands firm because God is in its midst.

Nations have power only as long as God allows. Mighty armies and deadly weapons are powerless in His presence. He “makes wars cease to the end of the earth,” “breaks the bow, cuts the spear in two, and burns the chariot in the fire.” Leaders often justify building mighty armies with the philosophy of “peace through strength.” However, our peace is found in complete trust in the Lord. Tanks and missiles are like paper when He intervenes for His people.

Psalm 46:10 calls us to something challenging: “Be still and know that I am God.”

This is an invitation to remain calm and trust. The Lord determines the moment to act: “Go to Pharaoh and say,” “Tell the children of Israel to go forward,” “Go and possess the land,” “Take up your bed and walk.” Yet, He also commands us to be still. When the solution is beyond our reach, the opposition is overwhelming, and the problem exceeds our strength, He says, “Trust and wait,” “Be still, and know that I am God.”

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV).

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Amen! Today, you and I can confidently sing, “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.”

On Psalm 80, the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary offers this perspective:

“Ps. 80 was written at a time of great national distress. It is a prayer for the restoration of God’s favor to His people. In this beautiful and pathetic elegy the psalmist likens Israel to a once carefully tended vine transplanted from Egypt, but now exposed to ruin.” (SDABC, Introduction to Psalm 80).

May this be our prayer today: “Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!” (Psalm 80:19, NKJV).

May God grant you a blessed day.