Track 6 · Holy Trance Vol. 1: Cathedral of Light
Fortress in the Storm
Inspired by Psalm 46:1-10 · ISRC QTA872672149
Scripture, lyrics and meaning
Scripture
Psalm 46:1-10, World English Bible, British Edition (public domain)Psalm 46:1-10
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; 3 though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, the holy place of the tents of the Most High. 5 God is within her. She shall not be moved. God will help her at dawn. 6 The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved. He lifted his voice and the earth melted. 7 The LORD of Armies is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, see the LORD’s works, what desolations he has made on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear. He burns the chariots in the fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted amongst the nations. I will be exalted on the earth.”
Lyrics
Verse 1
There is a river where the waters flow
Bringing peace the world could never know
Above the tempest hear the angels sing
A mighty fortress standing with our King
Breakdown
Be still and know that You alone are Lord
Every raging wave obeys Your word
You turn the deepest shadow into light
Our hiding place across the stormy night
Chorus
You are my refuge when the oceans roar
My solid rock and shield forevermore
No weapon formed can shake the ground I stand
Held inside the hollow of Your hand
Outro
Be still and know that You are King
Forever in Your fortress we will sing
What the passage means
Psalm 46 calls God "our refuge and strength" and says his people need not fear, even if the earth shakes and the mountains fall into the sea, because a river of gladness flows through the city where God dwells. It ends with "Be still, and know that I am God." It is widely read as a song of steady confidence in God's protection amid upheaval, and it inspired Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God".