Psalm 46
Sermon on Psalm 46: Be Still and Know
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."
— Psalm 46:10 (KJV)
Big Idea
When the earth is shaken, the God of Jacob is our refuge — and the right response is not panic but stillness.
Context
The psalm Luther loved enough to turn into 'A Mighty Fortress.' Likely composed after God's deliverance of Jerusalem from Sennacherib (2 Kings 19).
Expository Outline (verse-by-verse)
1. God Is Our Refuge When the Earth Shakes (v. 1–3)
- •A very present help in trouble — present-tense, immediate.
- •Though the earth be removed — worst case named, not avoided.
- •We will not fear.
2. There Is a River in the City of God (v. 4–7)
- •A river makes glad the city.
- •God is in the midst — she shall not be moved.
- •The LORD of hosts is with us.
3. Be Still and Know (v. 8–11)
- •Come, behold what the LORD hath done.
- •He maketh wars to cease.
- •Be still — desist, surrender, trust.
Topical Outline (one big idea)
1. What 'Be Still' Means
- •Stop striving; lay down the weapon.
- •Cease the panic.
- •Know — settled knowledge of who God is.
2. When the Earth Shakes
- •He is refuge before He is rescuer.
- •His presence is the answer before circumstances change.
- •He will be exalted, whatever happens.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 26:3 — Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.
- Hebrews 12:26-28 — We receive a kingdom which cannot be moved.
- Mark 4:39 — Peace, be still — Jesus over the storm.
Illustrations
- "Luther sang Psalm 46 during the plague when his own son was sick. The psalm was sung over Hitler's regime by the German Confessing Church."
Application questions
- What is shaking right now — and will you be still and know?
Closing prayer
God of Jacob, You are our refuge. We are still before You. Be exalted. Amen.