Psalm 46 Usccb (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of Psalm 46 in the Catholic Church? ›

The first strophe (Ps 46:2–4) sings of the security of God's presence even in utter chaos; the second (Ps 46:5–8), of divine protection of the city from its enemies; the third (Ps 46:9–11), of God's imposition of imperial peace.

Psalm 46 emphasizes two main truths about God: His strength and His established presence.

Psalm 46(47):2-3,6-9 for Ascension - God Goes Up With Shouts Of Joy; The Lord Goes Up With Trumpet Blast. Men of Galilee, why gaze in wonder at the heavens? will return as you saw Him go, alleluia. God goes up with shouts of joy; the Lord goes up with trumpet blast.

[1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; [3] Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

'”[2] Luther said of this particular Psalm, “we sing this psalm to the praise of God, because He is with us and powerfully and miraculously preserves and defends His church and His word against all fanatical spirits, against the gates of hell, against the implacable hatred of the devil, and against all the assaults of ...

This psalm is probably most famous for the phrase, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the chaos and confusion following a death in the family, Psalm 46 provides the reassurance that God, as the first line says, “is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” A Psalm of David.

“There Is A River”

Their troubles are like the waters of the sea that are tempest-tossed. In like manner, this “river” is metaphorical and represents the flow of God's peace and strength into their lives during times of heated tribulation all around.

Praying Psalm 46

Oh, Heavenly Father, You are the One I run to when the world around me is falling apart. You alone are my refuge and my strength. In times of trouble, You have always helped me. You have never failed me.

The Biblical Background of Psalm 46

Throughout the 11 verses, we also read several descriptions about God—his characteristics and attributes: he is our refuge, strong, present, and a great help to those who are weak.

Notice what stands out: God is our refuge and strength; God is in our midst; God is with us; “Be still and know that I am God.” The call to “be still” is radical, since it demands utter reliance on God, certainly not on human weapons, not even on the good gifts of an ever-dangerous creation. Trust in God alone!

What is the lesson learned from Psalm 46 1? ›

Psalm 46 begins with the words: “The Lord is my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way … The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” This means that you and I can stop fighting in our own strength and rest in Him.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10. Take a minute and meditate on this verse right now. Be Still. This phrase is actually derived from the Hebrew word rapha which means “to be weak, to let go, to release.” Essentially, it means surrender.

In Psalm 46, the poet begins with God's provision. He looked to God for help in difficult times and found it. He could say these things by experience: That God Himself was a place of refuge, as the cities of refuge protected the fugitive in Israel.

This verse mentions the presence of a stream that blesses Jerusalem, the city of God. Spiritually, Scripture often speaks of this as the dwelling place of the Most High God (Psalm 9:11; 132:13; Joel 3:17; Zechariah 8:3).

Selah indicates a pause in the text. Selah is a synonym of Hebrew words that mean “forever.” Selah is a derivative of the Hebrew root salal (note the s and l), which means to “raise voices in praise” or “make the instruments louder.”

The Psalms express the delight of the Lord in his people and their delight in him. They show the deep love which exists between the two. The Psalms are both personal and communal. Their varied themes and concerns require us to change our attitudes of prayer to correspond with the particular psalm.

C.S. Lewis says that Psalm 45 meant one thing before Jesus came to the earth, but another after his coming. Verses three through nine are now applied to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. The psalm's second part is now seen to be about his bride, the Church.

This history of the cities of refuge, or sanctuary, is recalled in Our Lady's title "Refuge of Sinners"—a place to which we may run, using the sanctity of Her presence to plead with the Omnipotent Judge. It is a logical following out of the truth that Mary cooperated in the Redemption, which saved us from sin.