In the midst of chaos, it’s sometimes hard to see the best way forward. We often find ourselves clamoring for relief and desperately seeking refuge. During the distress, nothing is more desired than the safety of home - although during such times we struggle to verbalize that desire. Today, we find a song reminding us that God is our shelter – our home. He is our refuge and without us even realizing, He comes to us. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Can you recall a vivid memory that you can comfortably share of being in need and calling out to God? What are some of the common feelings we encounter in such circumstances? How were you comforted during such a time? 2. Read Psalm 46:1-3. Today’s passage may be familiar to you. Notice that the verses start with the Psalmist declaring the provision of God. This claim shows that the Psalmist has already experienced the work of God. Notice the difference of starting with God’s provision instead of the Psalmist’s trial. How can the faith of the Psalmist encourage us in our faith? 3. Reread Verse 3. This verse commands the listener to not have fear based upon the experiential truths of verses 1 and 2. How have you been able to experience the absence of fear because of the presence of God? Can you describe those times of peace and try to put words to where it came from? If you have only experienced fear during troubled times, how might this verse challenge you to consider the faithfulness of God? 4. Read Psalm 46:6-7. The Psalmist begins to describe the status of the current troubles. We see the nations raging and kingdoms in peril, but we are immediately reminded that God is with us – the individual. What does this tell us about the value God places on His people? How can we allow this verse to comfort us? 5. Read Psalm 46:8-9. We see the Psalmist turn the listener to the works of God and His might. We see the power and capability of God on display drawing our attention to the glory God is due. How might this call us to consider the magnitude of God’s strength? How does this verse force us to consider the sovereign work of God and how can His sovereignty comfort us? 6. Read Psalm 46:10. This verse is very different from the rest. We hear from God now in the first person. God speaks. He commands us, in light of all the pervious verses, to “be still, and know that I am God.” What is the purpose of such a command? How does this act help us in our clamoring? The command is to sit in the knowledge of the God we serve. Are we faithful to this command? How might it help us to be still and know?