“God is within her, she will not fall.”

You’ve probably heard this phrase before. You’ve seen it on flowery Pinterest graphics and on pink t-shirts in pretty calligraphy, or perhaps it was the keynote message of a women’s ministry event or conference you attended. It sounds like a good, biblical message. God is with us and in us. Therefore, we cannot fall. We cannot fail. We can do anything. It’s a very uplifting and empowering message for women in particular.

But is this message biblical? Is it actually found in the Bible? Yes and no.

The phrase comes from a Bible verse found in Psalm 46. The psalm says,

“God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.” Psalm 46:5, NIV

I personally prefer reading from the English Standard Version, which translates this verse as,

“God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” Psalm 46:5, ESV

So, yes. The phrase is found in the Bible, and it truly is an encouraging verse. But does it really mean what we’ve been told it means? Does it mean that we can do anything with God by our side? Does it mean that we cannot fail because Jesus is in our hearts? To answer these questions, we must look at the context of this verse.

The Bible tells us that this psalm was a song written by the Sons of Korah, and it begins like this-

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” Psalm 45:1-5

The psalm describes God as the refuge and strength of Israel. God is Israel’s very present help in their times of need. So, the people of God have no need to fear any kind of disaster, whether it be earthquakes, landslides, or tumultuous seas. It is believed that the river is an image of God’s grace^[1], and that grace of God makes Israel full of joy and gladness. God is in Israel, and He will provide for her and protect her.

Let’s continue going through the psalm-

“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; He utters His voice, the earth melts. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the LORD, how He has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the chariots with 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 fortress.” Psalm 46:6-11

This second half of Psalm 46 emphasizes the sovereignty and power of God. Though the nations around Israel seem out of control, God is in control and is with His people. The psalmists urge the readers to behold and worship God for His mighty deeds, for His defeat of Israel’s enemies. They then quote the words of God, who is speaking not only to Israel, but to every nation on the earth. He calls the world to be still, know Him, and praise Him, for He is worthy of exaltation. The psalmists close their song with a reminder that God is the fortress, the protector of His people, Israel.

The message of Psalm 46 is more focused on praising God than empowering women. God is sovereign and all-powerful. He is the Provider and Protector of His people. We can put our trust in Him no matter what is going on around us. We may fail. We may stumble. We are fallible beings. But God is with us, and God is in us, so we can always be at peace.

If you have believed in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, God is indeed within you. You will likely fail at some point. You will not be able to do everything you set your mind to. But God will be with you and will protect you regardless of your circumstances. Instead of focusing on ourselves and what we can do, let us focus solely on the magnificence of God.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

^[1] The ESV Study Bible, Personal Size (Wheaton: Crossway, 2008), 994.