“The promise of Psalm 46 is the presence of the King in the midst of our fear — the King who personally walks us through our pain. We have a Battle Leader. He will meet us in our panic moments, our living nightmares, and bring his power into the picture.”- Joel Muddamalle
“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.”- Psalm 46 :4-5 (ESV)
In Chapter 2 (“From Panic to Honesty to Rest”) of The Hidden Peace, Joel Muddamalle stresses that the memory of past pain sometimes creeps up on us from unexpected places. Consequently, that painful memory creates a whiplash effect. A whiplash that leaves us sore for days, months, even years. Above all, that memory of past pain hurts. And we want the pain to stop.
However, a problem exists in the few answers our culture offers. Such human versions, Joel, cautions, are illusions. Certainly, those answers look real and seem promising. But as long as we try to conjure up those answers on our own, they ultimately prove false.
Yet, Joel points out, such options are not exclusively bad or wrong. Because to possess zero control puts us in a frightening place. For our personal versions of control, strength, and power inevitably come up short. As a result, our frustration and stress multiply.
Therefore, Joel takes a detailed look at Psalm 46. Most significantly, one promise of God changes the conversation: the LORD of Hosts is with you (vv. 7,11).
LORD of hosts, Joel notes, is a militaristic Hebrew phrase. In Psalm 46 the phrase refers to God as the King of the heavenly army. While kings of this world often stayed back in hiding during war, distant from conflict, our God stands at the front line of battle. He alone wields ultimate strength. All power flows from Him. The King’s in control!
Today’s question: What most helps you feel the presence of the King? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Gladly rest in his vastness”