A Prophetic Take on Psalm 46

Recently, US President Barak Obama quoted from Psalm 46 in honor of the ten year anniversary of 9-11. His use of scripture and reference to God has been rare throughout his administration, so this caused quite a positive reaction. But I get more than a fuzzy, warm feeling about this—I think there is major significance in the President’s choice of scripture.
Before going on, let’s postulate a few things:

• Like it or not, President Obama is God’s chosen man as President for this season based on Romans 13:1-2:

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

• Whether Obama is a Christian or not; he isn’t an overt Christian, and he works hard to maintain a separation.  This distinction is clearly demonstrated in the covering of religious symbols when he speaks at religious institutions. I know this seems sort of antichrist-like, but it could be excessive political correctness exercised on his part. So when President Obama does quote scripture or make references to God, everyone listens.

As part of his speech in remembrance of 9-11, President Obama quoted from Psalm 46. Is there a prophetic significance to this? Definitely! As the authority figure of the nation, Obama speaks for the United States—he is an oracle chosen and placed by God as part of the end time purpose and plan. It is significant that he referenced and quoted many of the eleven verses in Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength,
         1 A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
         Even though the earth be removed,
         And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
         Though the mountains shake with its swelling.  Selah 
        
4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
         The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
         God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
         He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
        
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
         The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah 
        
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
         Who has made desolations in the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
         He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
         He burns the chariot in the fire.
        
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
         I will be exalted among the nations,
         I will be exalted in the earth!
        
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
         The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah

President Obama, as God’s placed-authority over the United States, and as God’s oracle, we have to accept the fact that Psalm 46 has significance for the future of the United States. Psalm 46 is prophetic. There are comforting words in this passage, but at the same time, clearly there is trouble.
As you read the verses, you can clearly see descriptions of earthquakes, tsunamis, possible volcanoes, and war activity that seem a lot like what Jesus describes in Matthew 24 when he describes the signs of the end times. No one will deny that the earth has suffered recently some of the worst storms and earthquakes ever recorded. 2011 will especially go down in America’s history as the most costly year for disasters.

Psalm 46 also provides comforting words in the midst of the storm of destruction. For those who know the Lord Jesus, there is no fear, even though the earth is reacting and fulfilling its destiny.  Psalm 46 contrasts the raging water with a river whose streams make glad the city of God. This river is the person of the Holy Spirit, a very present help in times of trouble. We may go through the storm, but He is always with us.

Often prophecy teachers focus on the bad stuff, the destruction and the cold, icy hearts that refuse to turn to Jesus, but in the last days great and awesome things will happen too, and Psalm 46 is peppered with that description. Joel 2 prophesies of a great last-days’ outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and we know there will be a great last days’ harvest. Perhaps creation’s groaning during this time and the resulting disasters will help draw people to Christ. For sure, the matured church will begin to operate in kingdom principles that will impact the harvest.

This month is very significant prophetically, especially as it relates to Israel and nations that choose to bless or curse Israel. Israel’s high holy days are approaching and the Palestinian Authority is pushing the UN for a statehood vote. They are trying to work it so that it falls on either one of the Jewish high holy days of Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur and if that happens, there will be no Israeli diplomat at the UN.

The Untied States is working diplomatically to prevent this definitive vote. Egypt and Turkey, former allies of Israel, are turning away from support of Israel. Nations that turn against Israel will fall under a “curse” status, which is something that will remove the power of blessing from that nation. When it’s all said and done, the Mideast conflict will be resolved by the President of the European Union with a significant treaty that will provide a seemingly strong measure of peace and allow Israel to build the third temple.

As the oracle for the nation, President Obama is prophesying or speaking God’s Word and releasing its prophetic purpose. There is a lot going on this month. Psalm 46 is very significant—it’s not just a feel good read, and it potentially connects directly with prophesied end time events snapping into place.

One last scripture to ponder: Proverbs 16:4 states The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.

PD