The Uttered Voice

“God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. 

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    God is our fortress. 

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 46

The sons of Korah knew the very present God, their well-proved refuge, strength, and help. They memorialized His constancy in the midst of turmoil, His holiness over vain pursuit, His steady calm in the tottering rage of nations. He was with them, working desolation, judgment, and victory by His uttered voice, unto His exaltation. This God was Most High, mighty and sure and active in their midst, worthy of their confidence and song.

God utters His words today in the midst of His people and over His world. The voice that spoke creation into being and breathing is that which still speaks order and rules leaders and maneuvers kingdoms for His purposes. It sings over His beloved children, guides with instruction and inspiration, and calms anxious hearts and storms. (Genesis 1:3,26-27; 2:7; Psalm 32:8; Zephaniah 3:17; Mark 4:39; John 14:27)

“Sing praises to God, sing praises!
    Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
    sing praises with a psalm!

God reigns over the nations;
    God sits on his holy throne…
The shields of the earth belong to God;
  he is highly exalted!” Psalm 47:6-9

What wars in the world or our soul presently cause anxiety? What pesky troubles thunder, what longing or sorrow swirls, what judgments disturb? What hopes are giving way, or fears unsettle? When are we still in life’s clamor to hear and trust God’s sovereign voice? How can we more deeply embrace His present help, believe His promises, and exalt His power?

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be near thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.” ~ R. Keen (1787)

Father, may I listen for and wonder at Your uttered voice, and exalt You in my world.