Psalm 46 is a beautiful Psalm of how God is present with His people in the midst of chaos and destruction. It is a testimony to Israel’s hope in God and God alone during times of trials, wars and destruction of any kind. In a sense, Psalm 46 is a statement that when our world falls apart God is with us and is our strength in the midst of it.

Rohrer We can definitely take comfort in this Psalm as we wrap our brains around the tragedy that took place in Haiti. So much destruction, loss and fear surround this devastating event in our world. We cannot minimize the swell of emotions that will naturally result. We cannot neglect the reality of our losses. We must embrace the gravity of the event and seek ways to reach out in prayers and in action. Yet at the same time we must not let fear consume us. We must not forget where real strength and help come from.

The first three verses of Psalm 46 say this, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

Even though the earth shook and trembled God is present. In one of the pictures of the aftermath in Haiti there was destruction all around yet in one spot there remained the sculpture of the crucifix. What a beautiful reminder of God’s presence amidst the tragedy.

The middle of the Psalm reminds us that “there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God…[and] God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.”

This river is God’s divine grace, a never failing river smoothly flowing deep into the souls of human life offering refreshment and consolation and hope. This truth reminds us that God is present and involved in the workings of human life and suffering. God’s love will not fail and God will work in the suffering and through His people. God will sustain.

The Psalm ends with another beautiful reminder of God’s providence. Verse 10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Read that again and pause after the first two words. Go ahead… “Be Still.” Take a deep breath. “And know that I am God.” God’s goodness is greater than our uncertainties, God’s love can calm our anxieties, God’s faithfulness is stronger than life’s chaos.

God’s presence is in the middle of it all. So be still, know that He is God and that God is good and that God is with us and the people of Haiti.

Sheri Rohrer is the outreach pastor at the Delphi United Methodist Church.