Theology and Psychology

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present* help introuble. 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. Selah” (Psa 46:1-3 ESV)

What we believe about God, decides how we face the things that life puts in our path. Or to put it another way, our theology determines our psychology.

The dictionary defines theology, "the study of the nature of God and religious belief.
religious beliefs and theory when systematically developed."

To put it more simply we could simply define theology as what one believes about God.

The dictionary defines psychology: "the mental characteristics or attitude of a person or group the mental and emotional factors governing a situation or activity."

In our passage, the writer begins by declaring what they believe about God. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present* help in trouble." He then continues by declaring what their emotions and behaviour (psychology) will be:"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. Selah"

There is a reverse way of looking at this as well. Ones psychology (their belief and emotions) illustrates their theology (what they actually believe about God) It is very easy to say what we believe about God, but if we are emotionally out of control, and worried and fearful about our circumstances, that speaks volumes about what we believe about God.

"Dear Lord help us to believe correctly about you, and live accordingly."