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God, our home and help
O God, our home and help
We entrust our troubles to you
God, our home and help
O God, our home and help
We entrust our troubles to you
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Psalm Synopsis
Psalm 46 is rich with layers. The eleven verses speak of God’s as an unshakable fortress. We have other metaphors for the dynamic nature of God—God as spirit/wind/breath, for instance—however, this Psalm centers on the mighty strength of God in the world. The antiphon in 46.7 and 46.11 is the central meditation: “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our haven.” (The Tanakh)
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Liturgical Theology
In 46.1 God is named a refuge, shelter, or haven for God’s people. In the 21st century, we consider translating these as Home, a site of strength and safety. This choice means a shift from the indigenous meaning to a people with wandering in their blood finding a tent to rest in before continuing on. For nomadic Yahwists without land of their own-- and fresh in the collective cultural memory of Israel as she did get land—God’s character could indeed be taken to heart as a shelter come across in the midst of a desert trek.
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In 46.1 we have a confession of faith so central to our Jewish roots. Israel’s relationship with Yahweh was dynamic, passionate, and personal. This short chant is for meditation a la Taizé community or Iona. The lyrics transpose the Psalm text so the singers may pray this song in the first person. Note that this is a corporate prayer, just as the Psalm itself is framed.
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Place in Worship
Meditation Song, Holy Communion, Song For Prayer
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