There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:4-7
The Psalmist describes the presence of the Lord as a refreshing river that supplies the needs of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The “holy place where the Lord dwells” was, no doubt, the Temple or the Tabernacle. What a secure feeling that would have given to the Old Testament believer. The confusion and chaos of the political world could be crashing all around them (vs. 6) yet the Lord would protect them and deliver them from their enemies (vs. 5).
Think of the confidence expressed in this Psalm about God! He is the Most High (vs.4) and the Lord Almighty (vs. 7a). No one can stand against the Most High and the Lord Almighty! What a great way to recognize at His unfathomable power!
He is also the God of Jacob. God promised to give Jacob is unconditional love. He would, in spite of all the mistakes and sins of Jacob, be faithful to him. God would give Jacob 12 sons through whom the nation of Israel came. God would change his name from Jacob (meaning “deceiver”) to Israel (meaning “prince with God”). Eventually, the Messiah (Jesus), would come forth through the family of Jacob. What Grace! What faithfulness on God’s part! He is not only a powerful God, but He is a faithful God! He is faithful to His word and to His people!
Last fall, my brother-in-law and I went on a hike through the mountains of Eastern Washington. After hours of walking, we were very hot, tired, and thirsty. It was time for a break. Just as we stopped I heard the sound of rushing water. After a little investigation, we found a flowing stream of ice-cold, pure water. What a refreshing drink we had! There is nothing better than life-giving water! So it is with the Presence of our Lord. He is the fountain of life and the refresher of our weary souls. His presence is the river that makes us glad.
Do you know the Fountain of life? You can. Trust Him alone (not works) to forgive you and make you new. Believe that Christ died for your sin. Ask him to change you and make you a new person. He will do it.
