Psalm 46 isn't usually taught in most Rotation churches. We tend to teach several other Psalms instead, and because we only teach 9 to 12 stories a year, we have to prioritize.
Instead, many Rotation churches will cover 'Famous Psalms" in children's sermon series, or when the kids get older.
If you have a Psalm 46 lesson idea or resource, please share it.
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Psalm 46:1-7 "God is our refuge and our strength... though the earth should change..."
In 2016 this song by Pat Barrett became a massive hit for Christian music superstar, Chris Tomlin. In the "live" version of the song seen below you will see scenes of Tomlin singing with Barrett in concert. Here's its YouTube Link.
When I originally posted this lesson, it was during the 2020-21 pandemic, but as Psalm 46 reminds us, the earth has shaken before and will shake again. You can use it as a devotion or short lesson, in class, in fellowship, or at home.
1. Ask these opening questions:
Where is God in challenging times?
If God is good, how come there are bad things in the world?
Ask: How does Psalm 46 answer our opening questions?
Other than reminding us that God is still in charge and trying to allay our fears, it suggests as other passages do that we need to be still when we are afraid (relax? be quiet? trust?) and know (believe, trust, give in) that God is God and we are not. That we can't know everything or every answer. As we will hear in the song, we trust that God is a Good Father, and has our life in his hands.
3. View the Video "Good Good Father"
YouTube version with the lyrics onsceen: https://youtu.be/OfJrxvVnmkE
4. After the video, ask:
What does the song "Good Good Father" and Psalm 46 tell us about the character of God?
I've seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we're all searching
For answers only you provide
'Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Because you're a good good father, that's who you are
and I will not fear because I am loved by you.
The Lord of hosts is with me;
the good good father of Jacob is my refuge.
Contemporary Christian recording artists Shane and Shane have a Psalm 46 song that sticks closely to the scripture with some poetic updating. It's powerful, comforting, and hopeful, just like the psalm and promise.
Lesson Activity:
A good lesson activity for older children, youth and adults would be to compare their lyrics to the psalm. Give students this handout and have them draw a line between the lyrics and the psalm when they hear it. Go over the handout and discuss how the artists expressed certain ideas in the psalm. PDF Handout attached!
Here's a really nice Psalm 46 "hand motions" tutorial and sing-a-long for younger children.
The hand motions could be taught separately from the song if needed.
The song is apparently an original by the singer.
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