2021: In God we trust

Dwight Eisenhower was a very wise president. In 1956 he led our nation to adopt, “In God We Trust” as our national motto. The resolution passed the House and the Senate unanimously and without debate (imagine that happening today). The motto goes back to our national anthem “The Star Spangled Banner.” The fourth stanza states, “In God is our trust!”

As we enter a new year God must be our trust. Psalm 46 is a reminder that our faith is in God. Psalm 46 was written after a great military victory. It was probably written after the defeat of the Assyrian army in which 186,000 men were killed in a single night. Psalm 46:1-11 teaches three truths about God which inspire confidence.

First, God is our refuge (verses 1-3). Verse 1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Refuge means stronghold, fortress and even a walled city. God is our place of security. In the ancient world there were no air forces. The highest place was inaccessible and safe.

Verse 2 says, “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.” Verses 2 and 3 focus upon natural disasters. The earth and the mountains seem dependable. These verses picture an earthquake so great the mountains slide into the sea. Even in such devastating circumstances God is our refuge.

Recently in Big Lake the temperature was -20. There is nothing better than a well built house and a warm wood stove on a cold day. God is our refuge. He always protects His people.

Second, God is our river (verses 4-7). Verse 4 reads, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved.”

The Assyrian army laid siege to Jerusalem in the days of King Hezekiah. The weakest point of a city was often the water supply. God is a river. In the midst of earthquakes and raging oceans God is a tranquil, abundant, steady river.

Third, God is our ruler (verses 8-9). “Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire” (verses 8-9). The Assyrians were known for their great cruelty. God defeated His enemies. Our God is very powerful.

Verses 7 and 11 make the same statement. “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Lord is YHWH or Jehovah. God is self existent. He needs nothing and no one. We need many things- air, water, food, shelter, etc. God needs nothing and no one. Hosts means “armies.” He is the Lord of armies.

He is also the God of Jacob. God made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We know it as the Abrahamic Covenant. Jacob had to learn to trust God. God has made a covenant with His people today through His Son the Lord Jesus. We know this as the New Covenant. We need to trust Him.

God speaks in verse 10. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Wisdom means that God has perfect goals. He also chooses the best means for achieving those goals. If you are a follower of Jesus, His plan for your life is perfect. Whatever comes into your life this year, it will be for your good and God’s glory. We can trust Him today. We can trust Him in 2021! Our God is our refuge, our river and our ruler!

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.