Reflections on Psalm 46: There is a river

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Reflections on Psalm 46

There is a river

April 02, 2020 - J. Scott Duvall

Editorial Note: It’s the middle of March 2020, and the coronavirus is beginning to hit the U.S. in a big way. We’ve never seen anything like this in my lifetime. As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that our hope doesn’t depend on this world, especially when trials ambush us. But we need to be reminded and comforted. We need to hear from the Lord. In such times we often turn to the book of Psalms. Our pastor preached on Psalm 46 when this crisis was beginning and encouraged us to memorize it. I learn best by reading and writing. I hope my reflections will encourage you and those you love. Grace and peace.

Psalm 46:4-5 (Reflection 3)

“4 There is a river – its streams delight the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High. 5 God is within her; she will not be toppled. God will help her when the morning dawns.” (CSB)

Last time we talked about how Martin Luther’s famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” draws from Psalm 46. Did you also know that when the bubonic plague hit Luther’s city (Wittenberg, Germany) in 1527, that he and his wife Katharina (pregnant at the time) chose to stay and minister to the sick and dying? Luther tried to combine realism (medicine, social distancing, …) with faith (love for one’s sick neighbor). He wrote a pamphlet on the subject – “Whether One May Flee From a Deadly Plague” (thanks to my friend Jim Dennison for the post). Luther’s hymn was written just a couple of years after this plague I’m told, and maybe in response to it. I pray God will do some great things in response to our crisis.

Today’s verses from Psalm 46 continue to encourage us. They speak of a river. I feel like it’s never going to stop raining this spring. Arkansas is blessed with water for sure. But Jerusalem is different. In all of Israel, water is like a precious treasure, like gold. We never worry about dying of thirst here, but having enough water is always a big deal in the Middle East. Having enough water is a life or death issue. So, when we read that in God’s city there is a river, a never-ending supply of life, it’s deeply comforting. In our lives, today, in the middle of this whole mess, God will never stop giving us life.

The Greek Old Testament translation of this verse makes it even more powerful I think:

“The violent rush of the river cheers/gladdens/encourages the city of God. The Most High sanctified/consecrated his dwelling place. God is in the midst of her. They [God’s city is God’s people] will not be shaken/disturbed. God will help her with his face [or early].”

God’s life that comes to us like a river isn’t a tiny, trickling stream but more like a powerful, rushing river. In the book of Revelation, the river runs from God’s very throne, from God’s presence (Rev. 22:1-2; also Ezek. 47:1-12). The river of life in Revelation represents God’s life-giving presence. God never leaves us; he’s always with us. The rest of Psalm 46:4-5 says much the same thing. God, the Most High, makes his dwelling place (his people) holy. God is with his people. The city (God’s people) will never be shaken or disturbed or thrown off because God “will help her with his face.” God will help her with his personal presence.

Prayer: Father, it seems like you are trying to tell us something. We know you are. Everything points in this direction. No matter what happens in this broken world, we can always count on you, and you will always be with us. You will never leave us or forsake us. You are always near! And we will always be able to drink from the river, your life-giving presence that rushes into our lives. We praise and thank you for loving us this much! Amen.