Worship: A Study in PsalmsSample

What does it say?

The Lord Almighty, the God of Jacob, is a refuge and fortress for His people. The psalmist leads the people to praise God as the King of all the earth.

What does it mean?

These psalms commemorate the angel of the Lord’s victory over the Assyrian army encamped around Jerusalem (2 Kings 19). Hezekiah withdrew to the temple in prayer the night before the planned attack. The light of day revealed God’s deliverance without a single man lifting a sword. The city's walls would not have stood against an Assyrian assault, but the Lord Almighty Himself was their fortress. All they had to do was, “Be still, and know that I am God.” A night of agonizing prayer erupted in shouts of joy, clapping of hands, and songs of praise. The God of Jacob proved Himself to be God over the kingdoms of the earth, just as Hezekiah had prayed.

How should I respond?

How do you respond when a desperate situation is on the horizon? Do you frantically rush around trying to fortify the situation as if preparing for an approaching hurricane? Today’s psalms remind us to follow Hezekiah’s example to pause, pray, and praise. If you’re in the calm before the storm, get still before the Lord and talk honestly with Him about your concerns. How could God fight for you if you just released control of the situation? His resolution may not come immediately, but throughout the ordeal, you will realize the powerful words of Martin Luther, “A mighty fortress is our God!”