Psalm 46 was read by President Barack Obama in his remarks at New York City's commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
As Obama’s usual use of a TelePrompter was cast aside, principal deputy press secretary Josh Earnest explained why the president selected that psalm, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.
"The President chose a scripture which he believed was most appropriate -- he believed it was particularly appropriate to use -- to read scripture this morning,” Earnest said.
“And he chose a passage that talks of persevering through very difficult challenges and emerging from those challenges stronger," he added, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.
It contained the lines, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”
“Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah,” the passage from the Old Testament continues, reports AP.
Referring to God being a refuge for all those affected by the attacks, Obama also read, “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.”
