The Trinity Psalter suggests Psalm 46 be sung to the tune of “America, the Beautiful.”  I have no idea what led the editors to suggest this tune (other than that it fits!), but I find it very fitting.  Our church is planning to sing Psalm 46 to this tune on Sunday (July 4).  On a day when it is sadly common for churches to confuse the worship of God and love of country, we will use a tune associated with country to proclaim that our refuge is in God not in any construct of man.

The metrical version of Psalm 46 from the Trinity Psalter (slightly edited)* is below.

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and our strength,
In straits a present aid;
2 and, therefore, tho’ the Earth remove
We will not be afraid;
Tho’ hills amidst the seas be cast,
3 tho’ troubled waters roar,
Yea, tho’ the swelling Billows shake
The mountains on the shore.

4 A river is whose streams make glad
The city of our God,
The holy place wherein the Lord
Most High has His abode.
5 Yea, God is in the midst of her;
Unmoved she stands alway;
And God will surely grant her help
Before the break of day.

6 The nations raged; the
Kingdoms moved;
And when the earth had heard
The mighty voice He sent abroad
It melted at His word.
7 The LORD of hosts is on our side
Our safety to secure;
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.

8 O come, behold what Wondrous works
Have by the LORD been wrought;
Come, see what desolations great
He on the earth has brought.
9 To utmost ends of all the earth
Wars unto peace He turns;
The bow He breaks, the spear He cuts,
In fire the char-iot burns.

10 Be still and know that I am God;
Among the nations I
Will be exalted; I on earth
Will be exalted high.
11 The LORD of hosts is on our side.
Our safety to secure;
The God of Jacob is for us
A refuge strong and sure.

* I edited the end of the second line in verse 5.  The original had “for aye” and I substituted “alway.”