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Not only is God a very present help in trouble, He is "enough", and (thankful are we
to record it) He will ever "come to hand". The historic setting of this Psalm is the period
of Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem, and is probably one of the songs of Hezekiah.
Isaiah speaking of the invasion uses the figure of an overflowing river:--
"The Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the
king of Assyria, and all his glory; and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over
all his banks" (Isa. 8: 7).
It is in answer to this that the Psalmist says:--
"Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains
be carried into the midst of the sea! Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof" (Psa. 46: 2, 3).
The same ground of assurance that is found in Isa. 8: is found in the Psalm.
"Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought: speak the word, and it shall not
stand; for GOD IS WITH US" (Heb. Immanu EL) (Isa. 8: 10).
So in Psalm 46: 7 and 11:--
"The Lord of hosts is WITH US" (Immanu).
When the news of the great earthquake that shattered Yokohoma and other towns of
Japan reached England, it was naturally spoken of during the meal time, and after the
meal was finished, the little girl whose Bible lessons have already been spoken of in the
pages asked whether earthquakes ever visited England. She seemed somewhat scared by
all that had been said in her presence. Instead of quieting her fears by saying, "Now
don't be alarmed, earthquakes do not come to England", we said, "Lovey" (her name at
home) "bring the Bible and find Psa. 46: and read verses 1-3". Then as her childish
treble voiced the words of strong consolation:--
"Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed . . . . . though the mountains
shake . . . . ."
We found it possible to say to her:--
"Even supposing an earthquake did come and God should be pleased to allow this
house of ours to be destroyed and we in it. What then?" "Therefore we will not fear."
We should face facts, and we can dare to do so with the word in hand and heart. The
secret of our strength is found in the word" "The Lord of hosts is with us". "Immanuel,
God with us."
"He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee, so that we may boldly say, The
Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me" (Heb. 13: 5, 6).