Today's verse brought me a sense of relief this morning. |
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In the chaos of daily life, with my endless to-do list and the headlines that I can't seem to get away from, Psalm 46:1 is a reminder that we can turn to God. Let's read it together from the New International Version: God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble. |
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At first glance, this verse seems straightforward—reassuring, even familiar. But as I read in the NIV Study Bible with my Bible Gateway Plus account, I found something I hadn't expected. This verse was described as: "A triumphant confession of fearless trust in God." |
That phrase stopped me in my tracks. |
"Confession" caught me off guard. I usually associate confessions with sin or guilt. I continued to read the available resources to see what else I could learn. The abridged Expositor's Bible Commentary brought another perspective on a "confessional statement." It revealed the following: Confession (46:1, 7, 11) 1, 7, 11 The threefold confessional statement presents Israel's great God in a personal way. They call him "God," "the LORD Almighty," and "the God of Jacob." The Lord is the Great King over the world, but he is particularly and fondly confessed as "the God of Jacob" because he has covenanted himself to be the God of Israel. God's people need not fear his presence, because the "for us" and "with us" assure them of the meaning of his covenant name, Yahweh ("LORD"; cf. Ex 3:13-17). He is Immanuel, "God with us." This great God is "ever-present" with his people. He is the source and effectiveness of Israel's "strength." He is like a "refuge" where one finds rest and asylum (cf. 14:6; 61:3; 91:2, 9). He is like a "fortress" in an isolated, elevated place (cf. Isa 33:16), where people built a stronghold against the enemy. When the people are in distress, they need his special protection. Then he is close to them. |
This confession isn't a quiet statement whispered in the safety of calm—it's a promise. It's the kind of trust that names God as our refuge. Our strength. Our help. When I believe, "God is my refuge," I am aligning my life with a truth beyond my circumstances. That not only reinforces the relief I felt upon first reading this verse but also reassures me that I can keep moving through my endless tasks. God is with me, and that brings me so much comfort. |
For me, I'm going to continue studying Psalm 46:7 and 11. For you, I recommend upgrading to Bible Gateway Plus. With a library valued at over $3,100 —including the NIV Study Bible, the abridged Expositor's Bible Commentary, and more than 60 trusted resources—you'll find comfort, answers, and insights alongside any verse. |
Blessings, Jody from Bible Gateway P.S. When you choose the Bible Gateway Plus Yearly Plan, you'll save 16% compared to the Monthly Plan. It's the best value available for deep, insightful Bible study! |
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