7. God is Our Shelter and Strength

(Psalm 46)

Of the many rich metaphors necessary to engage the Christ-life, God as shelter, hiding place, and stronghold (46.1) emphasizes the unchanging aspects of God’s nature. Martin Luther wrote “A Mighty Fortress” as he meditated on this Psalm.

Psalm 46.2 boldly prays to trust God. Two reasons are offered: God is as unchanging and strong as a fortress (46.1-6), and God will make wars cease (46.8-10).

VERSE 1
Though the mountains tremble in the heart of the sea
We will not fear, we will not fear
Though the nations stumble and the governments decree
We will not fear, we will not fear

REFRAIN
God is our shelter and strength
God is our hope in any trouble
God is our refuge and strength
God is our help in any trial

VERSE 2
Now be still and know that our God is here
We will not fear, we will not fear
God destroys the weapons and makes the wars to cease
We will not fear, we will not fear

VERSE 3
There’s a river flowing into the heart of God
We will not fear, we will not fear
Holy One is with us, yes the Holy One is here
We will not fear, we will not fear

Behind the Song
I was working on this song while at a Living Liturgy conference. I remember Marty Haugen was talking about proclaiming Christ’s hope in the midst of a culture of fear.

Verse one of the song mentions earthly disasters and the acting governments. We will not fear. Verse two speaks of God’s work of destroying war. We will not fear. Verse three, the Holy One is in our midst. We will not fear.

In what ways today can we confess “we will not fear” as we engage the realities of our world? What does it mean to be a people deeply engaged in the world with Christ’s claim on us?