Psalms 46; Psalms 47; Psalms 48

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.

2 That is why we are not afraid even when the earth quakes or the mountains topple into the depths of the sea.

3 Water roars and foams, and mountains shake at the surging waves. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams bring joy to the city of God, the holy place where the Most High lives.

5 God is in that city. It cannot fall. God will help it at the break of dawn.

6 Nations are in turmoil, and kingdoms topple. The earth melts at the sound of [God's] voice.

7 The LORD of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

8 Come, see the works of the LORD, the devastation he has brought to the earth.

9 He puts an end to wars all over the earth. He breaks an archer's bow. He cuts spears in two. He burns chariots.

10 Let go [of your concerns]! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.

11 The LORD of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah

1 Clap your hands, all you people. Shout to God with a loud, joyful song.

2 We must fear the LORD, the Most High. He is the great king of the whole earth.

3 He brings people under our authority and [puts] nations under our feet.

4 He chooses our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah

5 God has gone up with a joyful shout. The LORD has gone up with the sound of a ram's horn.

6 Make music to praise God. Play music for him! Make music to praise our king. Play music for him!

7 God is the king of the whole earth. Make your best music for him!

8 God rules the nations. He sits upon his holy throne.

9 The influential people from the nations gather together as the people of the God of Abraham. The rulers of the earth belong to God. He rules everything.

1 The LORD is great. He should be highly praised. His holy mountain is in the city of our God.

2 Its beautiful peak is the joy of the whole earth. Mount Zion is on the northern ridge. It is the city of the great king.

3 God is in its palaces. He has proved that he is a stronghold.

4 The kings have gathered. They marched together.

5 [When] they saw [Mount Zion], they were astonished. They were terrified and ran away in fear.

6 Trembling seized them like the trembling that a woman experiences during labor.

7 With the east wind you smash the ships of Tarshish.

8 The things we had only heard about, we have now seen in the city of the LORD of Armies, in the city of our God. God makes Zion stand firm forever. Selah

9 Inside your temple we carefully reflect on your mercy, O God.

10 Like your name, O God, your praise [reaches] to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness.

11 Let Mount Zion be glad and the cities of Judah rejoice because of your judgments.

12 Walk around Zion. Go around it. Count its towers.

13 Examine its embankments. Walk through its palaces. Then you can tell the next generation,

14 "This God is our God forever and ever. He will lead us beyond death."