Read Psalm 46; Proverbs 18:2.

Early lighthouses were simply constructed stone on stone. But this method quickly became a problem as, when faced with lashings from severe storms, water got in between the stones, causing the structure to weaken and eventually crumble and fall. A new way was developed using many layers of perfectly interlinked dovetailed stones, which turned the edifice into a VERY strong tower indeed.

Speaking spiritually, unless the covenant blood of Jesus, along with all that is found within the godhead, the written word and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, comprise the dovetailed building blocks - set in ‘alignment’ for every single aspect of our life from ground level to the very top - what is built within us will not be able to stand strong in the face of tough storms.

If Jesus was a tested cornerstone, we should not be surprised that we too will be tested. It is only by facing up to and living through the intensity of the very storms we face that we come to realise that maybe our relationship with God is not as deep or as strong as we thought it to be.

Even in the midst of the most pressing of storms, the river of living water running from its source is still able to gladden our hearts

Psalm 46 describes a critical storm; every known point of reference is being shaken or destroyed. And yet it is clear that the Psalmist’s confidence is in the imminent abiding presence of God, who he describes as his refuge, strength and fortress. This was probably written when the Assyrian army surrounded Jerusalem. But it could equally be an analogy of how your life seems right now; it could even be a description of the state of the world immediately prior to Jesus’ return.

What this psalm describes here is not the critical point, because from verse 4 onwards the author clearly directs us upwards, to take our attention away from the storm and to focus instead on God’s throne-room. Even in the midst of the most pressing of storms, the river of living water running from its source is still able to gladden our hearts – for you and I are chosen and set apart by God to be the very centres where the Spirit of the Most High dwells!

In some forms of modern Christian fellowship, it seems we are to be always upbeat, praising the Lord, smiling and rejoicing, even at times when we might feel like we are dying on the inside. This is to act untruthfully and unhelpfully. The Psalmist does not do this: his storm is very real but the declarations he makes in verses 5-11 show us that his perspective is to choose to look over and above what he sees at ground level – to where God is. He recognizes the truth that as his covenant partner, God will not let him down. He is our covenant partner, too, and He will not let me or you down either.

If the God you think you know is not like this, then stop doing what you are doing and seek to get to know Him

In verse 10, the Psalmist speaks to the storm and, in exactly the same way Jesus did on the lake (see Mark 4:39), commands it to:

1. stop (literally ‘desist’), and;
2. recognize that God has authority and power over all storms. If the God you think you know is not like this, then stop doing what you are doing and seek to get to know Him.

Storms happen; but our faithful covenant God is on our side. His desire for us is for Him, His word, His will and His ways to be the very building blocks of every aspect of who we are; and for us to be so secure in what that really means that when even greater storms hit, we will be able to stand strong and secure in Him, and to offer out the arm of hope that leads others towards Him.

Additional reading: Psalm 61; Mark 4:35-41.

His desire for us is for Him, His word, His will and His ways to be the very building blocks of every aspect of who we are ...

Prayer Time:

Consider afresh your most pressing storm.

• In what ways has today’s study spoken into your situation?
• Write down how you are growing in your understanding of how big God’s covenant love is for you. Do you feel secure in that love?
• Does the Lord’s name, ‘Strong Tower’ help describe what you have written?

Spend time worshipping God for the wonder of who He is.