On the uncharged sea of our life, as we chart our course daily toward heaven, what signals are we using as a guide?  Do we keep our sight ever on the lighthouse of God’s word or do we pay more attention to other signals?  Signals from other ships on the same sea of life? From lesser lighthouses that shift positions with the whims of culture?  Where do we keep our sight?

A wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the regular signal from the lighthouse.  A wise person will do the same.

Jesus said in John 12:48b that “...the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.”  Also in 1 Peter 4:11 we read, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.”  Notice 2 Timothy 3:16,17.  Paul states that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God...that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

On the journey we make through the sea of life, there will be storms of problems that will rage.  Winds of doubt will blow.  Waves of despair and grief will crash against us and will try to engulf us.  We will often be concerned and almost overwhelmed with thoughts that we might drown in the troubles that try to push us under.  Only if we keep our sight on the lighthouse of God’s word will we find a constant, steady beam of light to guide our lives to a safe harbor.

Keep in mind, however, that a lighthouse doesn’t force any ship to heed the warnings it gives.  We, as captains of our ship, have a decision to make with our vessel.  As we travel through life, we can choose to obey God’s laws and warnings.  We can choose to follow the guidance He has provided.  This choice will assure that we will enjoy a secure passage to a safe harbor.  If, on the other hand, we ignore God’s word, do as we wish, listen to others rather than God, we will crash against the ragged rocks of sin, despair, and unhappiness.  Our ship will sink into the dark depths of spiritual death.

Chart your course to heaven (the safe harbor) by ever keeping your sight on and following the bright beam from the lighthouse (God’s word).  It is the only hope for true happiness on the sea of life and the only hope for eternal life with God.  Keep the lighthouse always in your sight.
Marilyn M. Peeples
Lincolnton, GA
 

This psalm has been used as the beginning point for at least two songs that are often used in worship to God.  Martin Luther wrote “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” with the theme of Psalm 46 and an American folk melody is based on verse 10, “Be Still and Know.”

Our study of the psalm in this lesson will be on the basis of a two-part outline.  In the first part (verses 1-7), we will study “God is: therefore we should ‘not fear,’ and ‘not be moved.’”  In the second part (verses 8-11), we will study “Since God is: you should ‘behold Him’ and ‘know’ some things about Him.”

In the first part of the poem, we will note claims and evidence that God is (Hebrews 11:6), with a summary statement in verse 7.  In the second part of the poem, we will note an invitation to others and a statement from God about the fact that is possible to know that He is God (Acts 17:22-31), with the exact same summary statement repeated in verse 11.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah 
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.  God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 

I.  GOD IS: THEREFORE, WE SHOULD…
    (46:1-7).

In these verses, three things come to our attention.  In the first three verses, the writer teaches that God is our refuge, so we will not fear.  His claim is that God is our refuge, strength, and help.  He offers evidence to support this by using illustrations from the natural world.  Even if the natural world begins to shake, tumble, roar, and quake, we can depend on Him.  He is above all of this, and he has proved Himself to be above all earthly things since the beginning. “Refuge” has to do with a place of protection and safety; “strength” has to do with power over all that threatens; and “a present help” has to do with being there at all times for those who have needs.  In the next three verses, the writer teaches that God is in the midst (center), so we need not ever be moved.  He speaks of the fact that God is in the midst of the city of God.  This refers to the fact that He is in fellowship with His “city” and those in it need not go elsewhere to find gladness and help.  Clearly this would be helpful to those under the law who looked to Jerusalem and its temple—just as it ought to be helpful to us as we look to the spiritual Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:18-29) for the same things.

Most of those whom I have consulted on the meaning of this psalm indicate that it was probably written in connection with God’s victory over the evil armies of Sennacherib (2 Kings 18,19), which certainly does fit the ideas expressed by our poet.  Imagine how all of the themes of the first six verses would have come to the minds of the Israelites when they learned that one angel had done the work of God and protected them by killing 185,000 soldiers in one night!

It is no wonder that people who are certain of the fact that “God is” would use the refrain of verse 7: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

Come, behold the works of the LORD, 
Who has made desolations in the earth.  He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.  Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! 
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

II.  SINCE GOD IS: YOU SHOULD… (46:8-
    11).

In these verses, three more things come to our attention. In verses 8,9, the writer invites others to come and learn the things that he knows about the Lord of Sabaoth (hosts).  All of the world needs to “behold Him.”  If indeed this was written in light of the deliverance from the Assyrian hordes, the words of this portion of the song are very fitting, aren’t they?  It has always been true that “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31-39).  So let us always be on His side, loving Him enough to keep His Son’s commandments and thus remain in His fellowship (John 14:15; 15:14; 1 John 2:3-6; 5:3).  In verse 10, God speaks, affirming that some things really are certain and that they can be known!  Many of those who do not believe are unbelievers simply because they haven’t “stood still” long enough to think about and “know that I am God.”  The song that I mentioned earlier is based on the first part of verse 10—but we must not miss the importance of the rest of the verse!  GOD WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE HEATHEN AND IN THE EARTH!

Let the church of Christ do its part in seeing to it that He is exalted among all people and around the whole earth in every generation! In verse 11, we have an exact repetition of the refrain of verse 7.  Let us use the certainties that God is with His people and that He is the refuge of His people as our refrain in all of our troubles, victories, and missions in this present evil generation.

Will you be among those who exalt Him as the writer of Psalm 46 did?  Will you come and learn about Him and His love for you?  Will you come and learn how He has said you must prove your love for Him?  Will you praise Him as your mighty fortress?  Will you be still and know that He is God?  Will you read these verses and obey the commands that are in them for the good of your soul?

Acts 2:22; 16:31; 17:30; 
Matthew 10:32,33; Acts 22:16

    — Skip Andrews
 

Next Week:  Psalm 47
“Sing praises to our God and King”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SICK LIST:  Daryl Callender had cataract surgery Tuesday.  Katherine Barclay’s aunt is having surgery and Katherine is in Mississippi with her.  Electa Wilson has not been feeling well. 


GROUP FOUR:  Group 4 is in charge of the service at Plantation South at 1:30 Sunday.  Also, please see your group leaders following evening services for visitation assignments.
CHILDREN’S CLASS:  5:30 Sunday. 
EVENING LADIES’ CLASS:  Class will meet Monday, February 28, at 7:30, and will be studying about Hannah.
LADIES’ CLASS:  Tuesday at 10:00. 
FOR THE RECORD: 
Bible Class   138
AM Worship   152
PM Worship   123
Wednesday Bible Class 111
Contribution    $7016
Budget   $6500
SEEKING THE LOST:  Groups 1 will meet 3/9; Group 2 will meet 3/16; Groups 3 and 4 will meet 3/23.
SPEAKERS SUNDAY:  Thomas Reid will speak Sunday morning.  Brett Rutherford will present a lesson for us Sunday evening.  Brett and Jo are raising support for mission work in Australia.  They hope to be able to leave in April. 
UKRAINE:  Jimmie Hill will be leaving February 28 to teach in the preachers’  training school in Kiev.  He plans to return March 31.  Let’s remember him as he travels and works—and also his family as they are here.