Today the President of the Unite States of America read Psalm 46 at the tenth anniversary of 9/11 tragedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxFj4mv0rRQ&feature=relmfu
Billy Graham was actually the first to refer this Psalm in relation to 9/11 right after it happened ( here ).
And, in fact, this Psalm has been a comfort and encouragement to many
At nine years of age, Wolfgang Mozart composed "God is Our Refuge," based on the psalm, in 1765.
John Stott notes 'The name of Martin Luther will always be associated with this psalm. His famous hymn "Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott" (*known in English as "A Mighty Fortress is our God") is a free paraphrase of it. He and Philip Melancthon would sing it together in times of dark discouragement.
A man named after the 15th century Martin Luther is also said to have loved this Psalm -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
When reading the Psalm below, note the Hebrew verb "Selah". It is "a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause or interruption." (Strong's)
It basically means - "pause and meditate for a moment on what you just read - drink it in"
To the Chief Musician. A
Psalm of the sons of Korah.
A Song for Alamoth.
God is our refuge and
strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
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.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
