The Good Good Father, Our Refuge and Our Strength
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?
Lyrics and Questions to Ponder:
I've seen many searching for answers far and wide
- What answers are people searching for now?
- What are some of the wrong places or behaviors that some people think will bring them answers?
But I know we're all searching
For answers only you provide
'Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word
- What is the "ANSWER" that we need to hear MOST according to the song? (Our Father loves us completely. That's the key to making it through suffering. And God's goodness is the guide to how we should be: GOOD to each other.
- If God knows what you need, how well are you asking for God's help?
- What could you do better to seek God's refuge, strength, and answers?
Read Psalm 46 and the song lyrics below out loud together:
Psalm 46
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.
Written by Neil MacQueen, member of the Rotation.org Writing Team
