Psalm 46:1-11

Psalm 46 deals with the unexpected happenings in life. Storms will come, it’s just a matter of when and how.

Why Do We Experience Storms? vv. 1-3

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

1. Storms are sometimes caused by sinful behavior.

2. Storms are sometimes caused by bad decisions.

3. Storms are sometimes caused by evildoers .

4. Storms are somtimes caused by satanic opposition.

How Do We Prepare for the Storms? vv. 4-7

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

1. We must be certain of our relationship with Christ. Acts 6:5

“This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.”

2. We must be convinced of the power of God’s Word. James 1:2-4

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

3. We must make intercessory prayer a priority. Acts 4:31

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

4. We must experience the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. John 15:26

“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.”

How Can We Benefit from Storms? vv. 8-9

“Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.”

1. Storms will make us more compassionate . 2 Corinthians 1:4

“who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

2. Storms will help us grow spiritually . 1 Peter 5:10

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

What Is God’s Role in the Storms of Life? vv. 10-11

“‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ 11The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

1. God is our protector . Isaiah 41:10

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

2. God is our provider . Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”