Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts)
One of the 94 hymns we sing together at Cornerstone Reformed Baptist Church on the Gold Coast. Browse the full hymnbook.
Lyrics
Verse 1
O come, behold the works of God
The nations at His feet
He breaks the bow and bends the spear
And tells the wars to cease
O, Mighty One of Israel
You are on our side
We walk by faith in God Who burns
The chariots with fire
Chorus
Lord of Hosts, You're with us
With us in the fire
With us as a shelter
With us in the storm
You will lead us
Through the fiercest battle
O, where else would we go
But with the Lord of Hosts?
Verse 2
O, God of Jacob, fierce and great
You lift Your voice to speak
The earth, it bows and all the mountains
Move into the sea
O, Lord, You know the hearts of men
And still You let them live
O, God, Who makes the mountains melt
Come wrestle us and win!
Verse 3
Our God, He is the Lord Most High
A very present help in times of trouble, our defense
He said, "Be still and know that I am God
And I am near,
Exalted in the nations"
Therefore we will have no fear!
Bridge
Though the oceans roar
The One Who calms the wind and waves
And makes my heart be still
Though the earth gives way
The mountains move into the sea
The nations rage
I know my God is in control
Behind the Hymn
"Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts)" was written and recorded by Shane Barnard and Shane Everett, the Christian music duo known as Shane & Shane, based in Dallas, Texas. The song is a modern setting of Psalm 46, which declares God to be "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" — one of the most comforting and powerful psalms in the entire Psalter. This psalm was also the inspiration for Martin Luther's famous Reformation hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," making it one of the most frequently adapted passages of Scripture in all of Christian hymnody. Shane & Shane's version preserves the psalm's core themes — God's sovereign protection even when the earth gives way, His presence in the midst of the city of God, and the command to "be still and know that I am God" — while setting them to a contemporary melody that invites congregational participation. The duo has built their ministry on a foundation of Scripture-saturated worship, often setting entire psalms and passages to music. The refrain "Lord of Hosts, You're with us" captures the psalm's central assurance: God is not distant but present with His people in every trial.