Psalm 46, God is with us 515-1 - 9 - 5

It is difficult to choose a portion of this wonderful Psalm, God is with us! God is with us/ me whether as when Jerusalem was under attack or during personal harassment for my belief.

“It is generally thought that the historical background of the Psalm is the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem when it was besieged by the Assyrian wolf, Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:13–19:35; Isaiah 36:1–37:36). At this time the people of Judah were tremendously conscious of God's presence with them in a unique way. And so the Psalm celebrates the praises of Him who is Immanuel—God with us.

[Believer’s Bible Commentary]

Psalm 46:2-3, “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.” 

I know God is with me, it’s that quiet assurance deep within me. My heart goes out to the many who are without faith. This would be a frightening world if not for the absolute knowing that I’m covered by the blood of Jesus.

Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is/ will be exalted among the heathen. Our being included in God's plan was planned from the very foundations of time. Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” 

Psalm 46:11, “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." Interesting that here the Israel patriarch is referred to as Jacob, not Israel. Jacob means heel catcher, that is, supplanter. Inclusive of Gentiles not as a supplanter to Israel, rather included as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Yes, God is with us!

What are the dangers of talking too much? 516 - 4 - 6

This question reminded me of a Clint Eastwood movie, “Dirty Harry.” Mr. Eastwood said “Are you feeling lucky, well, are you?” The courage of the criminal melted away on the sidewalk and, as I recall, he gave up his gun. Clint Eastwood seem to be an actor of few words but conveys so much information with his eyes. The less he talks, it seems the more the suspect he is questioning “Spills his guts”, so to speak.

For some reason it seems that many people just cannot enjoy each other’s company without having to talk. I find this is a bad habit with me as well. Depending on whose space you are sharing, too many words can lead to misunderstanding and/ or hurt feelings.

Often when we bloviate we miss out on what God would share with us. Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." I like CM’s quoting verse concerning priorities, Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you?”

The book of Proverbs is not kind to those who talk too much, with thanks to CM:

Proverbs 12:13, "The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble."

Proverbs 18:6-7, "A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul."

Along with the dangers of talking too much are the dangers of talking too soon and talking without thinking. Again, people just can’t seem to resist filling silence with much talking, often without thinking.

Proverbs 29:11, "A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards." Something I would do well to remember.

And the winner is Proverbs 18:13, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”

I can’t resist making a pun, the book of Proverbs, or talks a lot about talking.