“We have to help them! We have to protect them!”
The Nazi army filled the streets of Amsterdam, Holland; they were looking for Jews and anyone who helped them. Corrie and her family wanted to protect these people. But what could they do?
Soon they had an idea: they would build a refuge, a secret room behind Corrie’s bedroom where people could be safe. During World II, Corrie and her family saved 800 people who took refuge in that safe place.
(Read more about Corrie and her family in the Young Reader’s edition of The Hiding Place.
Everyone has times when they feel like running away somewhere safe. When you’re being teased. When you hear about scary things happening. In Psalm 46 God reminds you of a safe place, a different kind of refuge.
Use the steps below to protect your mind and hide Psalm 46 in your heart this week. (Be sure to check out Psalm 23 for Kids from last week.)
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
3 Let the oceans roar and foam.
Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
4 A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.
5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.
6 The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!…
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.
Read or listen
Korah was a man who rebelled against Moses and against God. He died. But many of his sons and grandsons and great grandsons did serve God as musicians. The descendants of Korah wrote Psalm 46.
Explore
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What are some of the scary things in verses 2-4, 6?
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What does the first verse say God is?
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Listen for or find all the names of God in this psalm. (Example: Most High)
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Because of who he is and what he can do, what does God tell us we can do? (v. 6)
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What does God promise in the next two sentences?
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What are two things that go along with “being still”? (See Psalm 37:7)
God is your refuge; you can be safe because of God’s powerful presence!
Did you know? Psalm 46 inspired Martin Luther to write “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
Ponder
Real meditation isn’t emptying your mind but filling it up with God’s truth. Say it slowly and think it over.
“God is my refuge and strength. He is always with me in trouble.”
Journal with pictures or words
Draw a picture or write how you’d feel if you were in danger and ran to a fortress, a safe place?
Draw a line down the middle down the middle of a piece of paper. On one side, draw or describe the scene from Psalm 46:2-4, 6.
On the other side, draw or write what’s happening in verse 4 and in Revelation 22:1-4.
“The city of God” means the place where God lives. On which side of your paper is it easiest to see God’s presence?
Draw or write what would remind you that God “is here among us” (with us)–even in trouble? v. 10
Pray
Dear God, when I’m afraid remind me that you are my strength. You are my safe place. I’ll run to you for help. Amen.
Sometimes it seems like everything is out of control. But in the end, God WILL have his way.
Being Still – What does it mean?
When God says in Psalm 46 “Be still and know that I am God,” there’s this sense of us stopping, resting from our efforts, and letting him do what he does best—be God. Striving to make something happen shows little faith in him.
“In repentance and REST is your salvation,” he says in Isaiah 30:15. “In quietness and trust in your strength. But you would have none of it.” So often we put our faith and confidence more in what we can accomplish or figure out than in his power.
When you’re still before God, wait patiently and don’t worry (Psalm 37:7). In other words, don’t try to make it happen. Don’t get frustrated when what you are hoping for doesn’t seem to be happening. Rest from your trying and let God work.
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
© Carol Garborg, 2021
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