Job: Unshakable Faith in a Shaken World

Psalm 46

What are you afraid of? What frightens you? What do you dread? What are the “what-ifs” that keep you spiritually stuck? The word “fear” shows up—ready for this? — 443 times in the Bible! “Afraid” is found 167 times. “Tremble” appears 101 times. We could add similar words to the list that would keep us counting.

Fear is an emotion that causes us to act senselessly. Sometimes, fear drives us to hide from God. Adam and Eve were afraid after they disobeyed and attempted to conceal themselves (Gen. 3:10). Fear compels us to lie (Gen. 20) and can make us flee (Ex. 2; 1 Kgs. 19:3). Often, it causes us to pretend. David “was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane…” (1 Sam. 21:12-13). David’s pretense led to one of the great quips in Scripture: “Behold, you see the man is mad. Why then have you brought him to me? Do I lack madmen…?” (1 Sam. 21:14-15)

In our study, we learned that Job feared losing his children and health. After the calamities hit, he said, “What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25). When the psalmist faced fear, he focused on the person of God. He said:

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

The words “refuge” and “strength” used together create a rhetorical device called a hendiadys, meaning “one through two.” The psalmist employs two words to convey one definite point: God is a strong refuge. “Refuge” is the Hebrew word mahaseh, meaning “a shelter from danger.” He is always present to help us in our time of need. Because of God’s protection, we don’t have to fear.

Psalm 46:2-3
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah.

The earth provides a solid foundation beneath our feet, while the mountains symbolize strength and certainty. However, even when the things we consider permanent begin to tremble, God always remains our strong refuge. What shakes your world? Sickness, loss, the economy, and uncertainty can heighten our emotions, allowing fear to creep in. The psalmist emphasizes that our circumstances do not alter God's character and work.

Notice the word Selah at the end of Psalm 46:3. Most scholars believe this term serves as a musical notation instructing musicians to pause and catch their breath. For the reader, Selah urges us to stop and reflect on the truth we have just encountered. The Amplified Bible translates Selah with these words, “pause and calmly think about that.” C. H. Spurgeon said, “It [would be] well if all of us could say, “Selah” under tempestuous trials….”[1] When we are afraid, pausing and reflecting on the Person of God always calms our hearts.

In Israel’s day, if an enemy besieged a city, they would cut off the water supply. No one can live long without this necessary resource. However, believers do not need to worry about their sustenance. God’s presence is our constant source of refreshment. “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” Selah (Ps. 46:7).

Psalm 46:8-9
Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.

One writer suggests that when we read or hear the daily news, we should remember the above verses to remind ourselves that the King is at work. The bow, spear, and chariots were weapons used by elite armies, but Almighty God is our ever-present strength and protector! He is sovereign over all and moves the king’s heart like a water channel toward his intended goal. We can always trust him, even when we are confused or our circumstances don’t make sense. Our deliberate response should be to pause, remain calm, and focus on Jesus.

Psalm 46:10-11
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

The phrase “be still” is the Hebrew word harpu. It means, “to release,” or “let go.” Instead of allowing fear to paralyze us or cause us to run, lie, or pretend, the psalmist instructs us to surrender our circumstances to the sovereign God who controls all things. He will be exalted “among the nations” and “in the earth.” Remember, he is the Lord of hosts, meaning “the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

A young adult going through a challenging time met with me. He asked, “I read the verse in the Bible about casting your cares on Jesus. How do you do that?” We readily say: Be still, surrender your circumstances to God, cast your cares on him. But how is that done in practice? The answer is neither formulaic nor straightforward. I believe it involves three parts.

First, we must engage with God’s Word daily. Scripture instructs us, corrects us, and gets us back on track. Second, we should talk to God as one speaks to a friend. Too many believers have their morning “Quiet Time” and then head off into their day. Quiet times are wonderful, and we must keep the conversation going throughout our day. Third, we need to be consistent. Spiritual surrender is not a one-time event; it requires ongoing commitment. You must do it again and again. The repetition, I believe, is God-ordained. It helps maintain our focus on him. So, be still and contemplate the Person of our sovereign, majestic God.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Psalm 46. Reflect on the flow of this psalm, focusing on 46:10. How can you be still and know that God is the Almighty God?

Talking to God
Ask God to help you surrender your fears to him throughout your day.

Job Zoom Call
On Monday, May 5 at 7:00 pm, we will meet on a Zoom call to review what we have learned in Job and answer questions. Information and a link to join the call will be included in the May 5 devotion email.

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as you explore God's Word. Submit your question below, and we'll reply soon. And if you don’t know where you stand with Jesus, we would love to have that conversation with you.

[1] C. H. Spurgeon, Treasure of David, Vol. 1 (Peabody, MI: Hendrickson Publishing), 340.