There is a river—its streams delight the city of God, the holy dwelling place of the Most High.

Psalm 46:4

Psalm 46, possibly written by Hezekiah, is a song about God’s deliverance of His people from Assyria. However, it is actually a timely psalm to read today. These prophetic words are warnings for every generation—even ours, and their promises build to a crescendo in the chorus we can read and re-read for strength and encouragement. —“The Lord of Armies is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” (v. 7, 11)

The psalm also reveals a timely description of God’s power through all ages—

“…though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.” (v. 2, 3)

Perhaps of greatest significance, however, the psalm begins with a truth in which generations of believers have found comfort.—“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid. (v. 1, 2a)

So what is our hope now as we wait for answers while living during our own time of peril and turmoil? The psalm clearly states a future promise and a visual description repeated in the Book of Revelation—the description of one unique aspect of Heaven: —“Then he showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the city’s main street. (Revelation 22:1-2)

God’s power and grace are ever-flowing—like a powerful and rushing river for us now! God’s life-giving presence is ours! His magnificent promise that He is our refuge, our strength, our helper, and our hope rings just as clear today as the day in which it was first proclaimed!

Reflection in prayer:

Father, help us remember that You are here and now our refuge, our strength, and our helper. Thank you for the lovely gift of a glimpse of the future as we envision the flowing river from Your Throne down Main Street of the Kingdom City—Our Eternal Home. We rejoice and we wait.

Jill Hendrix                                                                                       

Scripture references: CSB