“While we may not be able to avoid fear or stop hurt in our lives, we are promised the nearness of God to help us face our fears and get through our hurt. Psalm 46 helps us see ourselves honestly so we can rightly see the majesty of the Lord of Hosts.”- Joel Muddamalle
“He makes wars cease to the ends 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.”- Psalm 46:9-10 (ESV)
Joel Muddamalle concludes Chapter 2 of The Hidden Peace as he talks about the significance of the battle language used in Psalm 46. First, Joel notes, people in the Ancient Near East of the Old Testament considered the bow and spear some of the most lethal weapons of the time. For example, an expert archer possessed the ability to shoot a bow a distance of three to four hundred yards with extreme accuracy. In addition, an archer pulled a bowstring under a hundred pounds of pressure.
However, the spear functioned as a lethal mid-to-close-range weapon. Finally, chariot provides the last military reference. But the Hebrew reference indicates something more like a war wagon. A vehicle that served to deliver military supplies and carry the spoils of war back home. Outmatched opponents found the war wagon totally terrifying.
Yet, people in ancient times saw the act of destroying weapons as a token of peace. So, in Psalm 46, God ushers in peace. The Lord overcomes any fear.
In conclusion, Joel exhorts:
“If you are in the midst of a situation that feels impossible, or in a moment of longing for hope and help, you have a promise from God — one of the most significant promises he could give. He is with you!
Friend, tuck this little truth away in your heart. The promises of God are rooted in the character of God. God’s character is true and trustworthy. If he says he will be with you, you can have confident assurance that he will keep that promise.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you trust in the nearness of God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The entire universe – taking care”