God Is!

Sermon Title: “God Is

Text: Psalm 46:1–11
Theme for July (Freedom): Freedom in the Presence of God
Key Verse: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

Introduction:

There are moments in life when the earth seems to shake beneath our feet — not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally. It may be a doctor's report, a broken relationship, financial hardship, or spiritual warfare. Yet Psalm 46 reminds us: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

This Psalm was likely written during a national crisis, possibly when Jerusalem was under siege. But its truths are timeless. It offers freedom from fear, peace in the midst of chaos, and assurance that God is in control.

1. God Is Our Safe Place (Verses 1–3)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Key Point:

God doesn’t promise the absence of trouble, but His presence in the midst of it.

Illustration:

Imagine a child afraid during a storm. The lightning flashes, the thunder rolls — but when that child runs into their father’s arms, they’re no longer afraid. Why? Not because the storm has stopped, but because they are in a safe place.

Application:

When the world shakes, don’t run to people, addictions, or distractions — run to God.

2. God Is in the Midst of the City (Verses 4–7)

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God…”
“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.”

Key Point:

Even when nations rage and kingdoms totter, God is in the midst of His people. His presence brings joy, stability, and life — just like a river flowing through a dry land.

Biblical Example:

Hezekiah trusted God during Assyria’s threat (2 Kings 18–19). The enemy surrounded Jerusalem, but the prophet Isaiah reminded him: “The Lord is with us.” And God miraculously delivered them — because God was in the midst.

Short Story:

Corrie ten Boom, who survived the Holocaust, once said: “There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.” In the midst of a Nazi concentration camp, she experienced God's peace. That’s the power of God’s presence.

3. God Will Be Exalted (Verses 8–11)

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations…”

Key Point:

Sometimes God tells us not to fight but to be still and trust. In our stillness, we acknowledge that He is God and we are not.

Illustration:

When Moses stood before the Red Sea, and Pharaoh's army was behind them, God said: “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). Sometimes the greatest faith is not in fighting, but in trusting.

Application:

Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing; it means releasing control and trusting in God's timing. It’s a spiritual surrender.

1. God is Love

“God is love.”
—1 John 4:8, 16

• Everything God does flows from His love.

2. God is Spirit

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
—John 4:24

• He is not confined to a physical body or form.

3. God is Light

“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”
—1 John 1:5

• He is pure, holy, and illuminating.

4. God is Faithful