Category: Psalms

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Saturday Psalter, Psalm 46C

Psalm 46C: Psalm 46 (To the tune of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”)

Ein Feste Burg, 88.88.66.668.

1. 1 God is our refuge and our strength,
A present help in our distress.
2 We will not therefore be afraid
Tho’ all the earth should be removed,
Tho’ mountains great be hurled
Into the ocean’s depths,
3 Tho’ seas may roar and foam
And billows shake the shore,
Tho’ mountains tremble at their power.

2. 4 A river brings refreshing streams
To cheer the city of our God,
The Most High’s holy dwelling place.
5 God is in her; she won’t be moved;
At dawn will God help her.
6 The heathen rage; realms quake;
He lifts His voice; earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts with us!
Our fortress strong is Jacob’s God.

3. 8 O come, see what the LORD has done;
He desolations brought on earth;
9On earth He puts an end to wars,
Breaks bow and spear, and chariots burns.
10 Be still! Know I am God.
Exalted o’er all men,
Exalted o’er all earth.
11 The LORD of host with us!
Our fortress strong is Jacob’s God.

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A Pastor’s Note: Psalm 14

Greetings in Christ’s Name.
Psalm 14 is the Biblical charge against those who deny the existence of God. According to the Psalmist “the fool says in his heart there is no God.” But this is not just a denial of God’s existence, it is also a denial of his relevance. This is why this verse has been translated as “the fool says in his heart: NO GOD!” In the words of John Barach, “this is a denial that God matters or that God will act.” These fools, according to the Psalmist are corrupt and do deeds of evil. In contrast, the Psalmist says of the righteous that God is his refuge and the people of God respond with thanksgiving and joy (vs.7). The life of thanksgiving is the life of the righteous, but for the unrighteous he cannot give thanks for he has received no good gift. Thanks be to God!