Theme

Through every distress, the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Text

TO THE CHOIRMASTER. OF THE SONS OF KORAH. ACCORDING TO ALAMOTH. A SONG.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Introduction | When the Levee Breaks

Disaster for the Ruined World (vv. 1–3)

The Distress of De-Creation

The Danger of Divine Presence

The Confidence of Korah’s Sons

Deliverance for the Holy City (vv. 4–7)

“There is a river...”

“…she shall not be moved”

“…when morning dawns”

Direction for All the Earth (vv. 8–11)

The Works of the LORD

The Warning of the LORD

The Welcome of the LORD

Conclusion | A Mighty Fortress

Discussion Questions

1. “__________________ is our refuge and strength,” etc. Besides “God” (i.e. the correct answer), what answers might someone put in that blank?
2. What word pictures are used to describe God in verses 1–3? How do these help you better understand the nature and character (what and who) of God?
3. What specific “troubles” are described in this psalm (vv. 2–3, 6)? What is the psalmist’s response to these troubles?
4. How is the “city of God” (v. 4) described? What details stand out to you?
5. “God is in her midst.” How do we see this more fully realized in the NT? Consider Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; 4:7–14; 7:37–39; Revelation 22:1–5.
6. Why does God say “Be still,” and to whom does He say this? Is this a comfort to you? Why or why not? Consider Mark 4:35–41.
7. What are the commands in this psalm? How can these commands help shape the way you respond to trouble?