Cheer Replaces Fear Psalm 46-47

God reveals reasons for fear & cheer. Faith overcomes Fear.

1. Fear's Causes are Temporally Real & Normal (46:1-2)

   1. Troubling times (46:1). Identify normal troubles in the home, church, community & country.

   2. Natural Disasters: the earth shakes, alters, changes with volcanos, hurricanes, typhoons & quakes. (46:3)

   3. Nations at war (46:6) Where are wars today?

   4. Weapons used for crimes (46:9).

2. Cheer is Based on Eternal Truths (46:1)

   1. God is our refuge and source of strength (46:1, 7, 11).

   2. He is very, verily, truly found to be present and a great help in troubling times.

   3. Rivers and irrigation canals water the land and the thirsty (46:4, Joel 3:18, Ezekiel 47:1-12 now and later).

   4. God is alive in His dwelling place (46:5).

   5. Dark times for believers is temporal because He rescues "at dawn" (Exodus 14:27, Judges 19:26, Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 17:14).

   6. Destruction for the wicked is permanent (46:6).

   7. The LORD of Hosts is on your side (46:7, 11).

   8. He will end wars (46:9).

3. Showing Cheer is Commanded

   1. Be still; be quiet, rest, stop striving (46:10). Why should His enemy stop attacking (47:2-8)? Why should God's people be still?

   2. Know that He is God; recognize and experience the character of God.

   3. Worship: clap and sing loudly (47:1, 7). What kinds of dance and instruments (150:3-6)?