Sermon Outline 11.9.25

Title: Still Standing When the World Shakes
Text: Psalm 46
Introduction

I. God is Our Refuge When the World Shakes (vv. 1–3)
Main Idea: God doesn’t promise to keep you out of trouble. He promises to meet you in it.
Verse 1 – Notice the psalm begins with God, not us. Not “I am afraid,” not “I am strong,” but “God is.” That’s the grammar of faith.
“Refuge” means shelter from external danger.
“Strength” means stamina in internal weakness.
“Very present” literally means “abundantly available.”

Verses 2–3 – The Earth Gives Way
The earth gives way — that’s the ground under your feet collapsing.
Mountains fall into the sea — that’s the unshakable shaking.
Waters roar and foam — that’s chaos unleashed.
This is uncreation language — the reversal of Genesis 1.

II. God is Our Strength in His People (vv. 4–7)
Main Idea: We do not stand alone. God is with us.
Verse 4 – The river symbolizes God’s own presence flowing through His people.
Verse 5 – “God is in the midst of her”—think about what this means for us as the church.
Verses 6–7 – Nations Rage, God Speaks

III. God is Our Fortress Forever (vv. 8–11)
Main Idea: The Psalmist uses imperatives to call us to this: The end of fear comes when we remember who wins.
Verse 8 – The psalmist invites us to lift our eyes from panic to providence.
Verse 9 – He ends war by ending rebellion.
Verse 10 – it’s a holy command. In Hebrew, “Be still” literally means “Let go” or “Cease striving.” It’s a rebuke to the raging nations: Cease your rebellion. To the anxious believer: Cease your fear.
Verse 11 – This is covenant comfort in one line. “Lord of hosts” — the Commander of angel armies. “God of Jacob” — the Redeemer of sinners. Power and mercy joined in one person: Jesus Christ our Lord.

Conclusion