“Whose Streams Make Glad” - Psalm 46 (Day 3)

Psalm 46, our passage for the week, has a familiar backdrop: an individual wrestling with the rollercoaster of emotions that uncertainty and hardship bring. Yet, instead of focusing on the pressing adversity, the author talks much about God's greatness, going as far as declaring God as his refuge, strength, fortress, and ever-present help. Today, he'll use the imagery of a flowing river to remind himself, and us, that the unlimited streams of God’s peace are available to us in every moment and at all times. So, before we delve deeper, I want to provide space for you to pause, pray, and consider what sources you're pulling from in the hope of experiencing peace and whether they leave you satisfied or thirsty for contentment. 

A bit of context is needed to bring more insight into the words we are about to read. Scripture writers often utilized the imagery of streams and rivers, sources that perpetually flow, to symbolize abundance and flourishing. Early civilizations subscribed to the philosophy "where there is water, there is life." Sprawling cities typically sprung up around wells, rivers, and streams. Jerusalem was one of the few that did not, so today’s passage would've undoubtedly caught the original reader's attention. As we've learned over the past few days, in ancient times, cities surrounded themselves with solid, protective walls that kept enemies out while providing a safe atmosphere where their citizens could thrive. However, when advancing armies and foreign invaders set their sights on a city to attack it, their first course of attack was to dam all the rivers and streams, cutting off the water supply. Once the water inflow to the city stopped, it was only a matter of time before people became weak, gave in, and surrendered. Where there is water, there is life, yet when it is short supply, defeat is inevitable. 

Spend some time reading Psalm 46:1-7 and, as you do, make note of the author’s security and confidence and what served as the source of his conviction.

Psalm 46:1-7 says this:

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging

4 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.

Take a moment to reflect on what you just read

• How did the presence of a river speak to God’s presence, protection, and provision? 

The author proclaiming God as his fortress is a statement of ultimate protection, especially with the presence of a river continually running through the city of God. This ever-flowing water represents God Himself and the stability and resiliency He provides. However, what makes the author's declaration even more profound is that the city of God is no longer Jerusalem but us - the Church and His people. Because the Holy Spirit resides within us, we carry His presence with us at all times. The author doesn't say there once WAS a river, or there WILL BE a river someday in the future. No, he states there IS a river - present tense. It's a steady stream of grace - right here and right now. God's transformative peace is available to us whenever we need it. His peace and provision never run dry - they don't cease but constantly refresh and bring an unshakable hope that only He can provide. Our response to those streams is gladness and joy - a peace that passes all understanding and the ability to be content in every circumstance, including unsettling times. 

Take a moment and consider…How would recognizing and trusting that God’s peace and strength are not only available to you but come in unlimited provision influence the places where you feel hardpressed and overwhelmed? 

Read today’s passage slowly one more time.

Psalm 46:4-7 says this:

4 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.

It might be one river, but it produces numerous streams. We can't lose sight of this tiny yet profound detail. God's provision and peace are not only constant; they're also abundant. Unfortunately, over the years, some have hijacked, distorted, and twisted the meaning of abundance to the point where it looks nowhere close to God's original intent. Abundance has nothing to do with our wealth, prosperity, or personal well-being. It's about God and uplifting others. 

Abundance isn't selfish; it's selfless. What God does in us isn't truly a blessing if it fails to bless someone else. Because His love is persistent and grace is endless, we need not hoard it to ourselves. We don't keep God's joy to ourselves - we give it away. The Gospel isn't a message of scarcity but limitless love available to everyone. God's abundant peace and strength flow into our lives and then out to the world around us through our words, actions, and demeanor. 

So, as we begin to wrap up our time together, we want to provide you some space to respond to what we read and maybe to what God is trying to say to you through Psalm 46. First, take a moment to process this question…How has God displayed His abundant love to you? Where do you see signs of it in your life right now? 

Another question to consider is this…How can your words or actions be life-giving to someone else today? 

PRAYER

Father God,

Your love floods the depths of my soul. There is no end to the grace You extend towards me.

It brings life and contentment to the parts of my heart and mind that long for understanding, perspective, and hope.

May I not keep the gracious work You are doing within me to myself; 

Instead, may You use me to bring refreshment to those around me who are lost, struggling, and thirsty. Amen.