Psalms for All Seasons ‎#46A

46A. God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength

1 God is our refuge and our strength,
our ever present aid,
and therefore, though the earth be moved,
we will not be afraid--
though hills into the seas be cast,
though foaming billows roar,
though all the mighty billows shake
the mountains on the shore.

2 A river flows whose streams make glad
the city of our God,
the holy place wherein the LORD
Most High has his abode.
Since God is in the midst of her,
unmoved her walls shall stand;
for God will hasten to her aid
when trouble is at hand.

3 The nations rage, the kingdoms move,
but when his voice was heard,
earth melts with trembling fear before
the thunder of his word.
The LORD of hosts is on our side,
our safety to secure;
the God of Jacob is for us
a refuge strong and sure.

4 O come and see what wondrous works
the hand of God has done;
come, see what desolation great
he brings beneath the sun.
In every corner of the earth
he causes wars to cease;
the weapons of the strong destroyed,
he makes abiding peace.

5 "Be still and know that I am God,
the LORD whom all must claim;
and every nation of the earth
shall magnify my name."
The LORD of hosts is on our side,
our safety to secure;
the God of Jacob is for us
a refuge strong and sure.

Text Information

• First Line: God is our refuge and our strength
• Title: God Is Our Refuge and Our Strength
• Meter: 8.6.8.6 D
• Publication Date: 2012
• Scripture:
  Psalm 46
• Topic: Assurance; Biblical Names and Places: Jacob; Church Year: Advent; Church Year: Baptism of the Lord; Daily Prayer: Evening Prayer; Earth; Fear; Freedom from Fear; God as: Refuge; God as: Shield; God as: Creator; God's: Wonders; God's: Armor; God's: Deeds; God's: Nearness; God's: Presence; God's: Protection; God's: Strength; Hymns of Praise; Mission; Occasional Services: New Year; Peace; People of God / Church: Renewal; People of God / Church: Witnessing; Prayer; Songs of Zion; Suffering; Victory; War and Revolution; Witness; Year A, B, C, Easter, Easter vigil; Year A, Ordinary Time after Pentecost, May 29-June 4 (if after Trinity Sunday); Year C, Reign of Christ, November 20-26
• Source: Scottish Psalter 1650

Tune Information

• Name: NOEL (GERARD)
• Adapter: Arthur S. Sullivan (1874)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6 D
• Key: F Major
• Notes: Consider assigning stanzas to different groups. For example, all sing sts. 1-2; men sing st. 3; women sing st. 4; a soloist sings the first half of st. 5, with all joining in the singing of the final two lines, perhaps in a quieter, humbler voice.