A continuous challenge of faith is to view God as He has actually revealed Himself in Scripture. Since He is a person—not a philosophy or a fantasy—a Biblically-based belief in Him necessitates an accurate faith that expresses itself in practical ways in our daily lives. Psalms 46-49 are clustered together because of a common author. Each superscription states that it is “a Psalm of the sons of Korah”. Each psalm has a distinct theological theme and specific instructions on how such should impact our lives. The challenge of faith is to fervently embrace each distinct teaching about Jehovah and live accordingly.
Psalm 46 declares that God is our Refuge; therefore, fearfulness is unacceptable in our lives. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (vv. 1-3).
Psalm 47 declares that God is our Ruler; therefore, our praise of Him is to be passionate and perpetual. “For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth…Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!” (vv. 2, 6).
Psalm 48 declares that God is our Resource; therefore, His providential provisions are to be joyfully and thankfully received with contentment. “We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness in the midst of Your temple… Walk about Zion and go all around her. Count her towers; mark well her bulwarks; consider her palaces; that you may tell it to the generation following. For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death” (vv. 9, 12-14).
Psalm 49 declares that God is our Redeemer; therefore, living wisely requires that we trust Him in the days of evil and difficulty. “Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?… But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me” (vv. 5, 15).
Refuge. Ruler. Resource. Redeemer.
Living by genuine faith in God is intensely challenging, immensely practical, and infinitely rewarding.
