When I feel unsettled with circumstances around me, I have a “go-to” chapter in the Bible.

Much of the Bible was written to an unsettled world. Jesus was born into perilous times. Paul shared the gospel in unpredictable times. Many of the prophets ministered in troubling times. 

My mind often goes to Psalm 46. “Unsettled” seems to almost be an understatement for what is described in this chapter of the Bible. Psalm 46 gives us 4 ways to find peace in troubled times!

4 Ways to Find Peace in Times of Trouble (Psalm 46)

1. A place of refuge.

¹ God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

We have a place of refuge. God is our strength.

2. Freedom from fear.

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! 

These words paint a precarious picture. The earth quakes, the mountain crumbles, the oceans roars, and the mountains tremble. Yet we have nothing to fear, because our trust is in our God.

3. Hope for the future.

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. ⁷ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.  

The writer of Psalm 46 looks to the future and sees great hope. The “city of God” cannot be destroyed. God will protect it. 

The Bible never says that this life would be without troubles. Jesus actually said that this life would have many trials and sorrows (John 16:33). What the Bible does assure us of is great promise for the future, if we have accepted Jesus as our Savior. A place of no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4). As followers of Jesus and citizens of heaven, our future is bright!

4. A person to turn to.

¹⁰ Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.

When we are anxious or afraid, we need to be still and know that He is God!

Nothing that is happening in our world has surprised God. Because He is eternal, He lives in the past, present, and future. Our future is always God’s “right now.” 

Be still and know that He is God.

Whatever it takes,

Jerry