BE STILL

Psalm 46:10

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, NKJV

We frequenty read this verse as God's command for us to cease from our busy schedules and make time for prayer or worship. Though this is obviously incredibly important, there is a deeper meaning to this verse. When we read the context in which this verse is situated, we may be surprised to discover that when God utters the command, "Be still, and know that I am God," He is not speaking to His people, but to the raging and violent nations who threaten them.

The psalmist is proclaiming that amidst the chaos and turmoil of this world, he rests in the knowledge that God is his refuge. He imagines God as a mighty warrior, fighting against the nations and kingdoms of this world, and even against the mountains and the sea, calling them to be still and recognize Him as God, all for the sake of giving His people a place of refuge, a city that cannot be moved.

We too have many forces arrayed against us, finances, unforeseen calamities, interpersonal conflicts, debilitating illnesses, uncertain futures, and spiritual oppression, and we may feel as though we are tossed about by tides and waves over which we have no control. However, in these moments of trial, when the waters roar and foam, and the mountains tremble with its tumult, we can trust that the Lord Almighty is with us and He makes all troubles still. In the present, nations roar and kingdoms totter, but we look to the future in which God will truly and finally make all wars cease, when He will break the bow, shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire.

Like Jesus rebuking the storm at sea, God will shout, "Be still!" to all the chaos of this world. So even though in this particular verse, the command to "be still" is not addressed directly to us, it certainly still applies to us. For when we are confident that God has the power to still all that with which the world can threaten us, we too can be still and abide in our knowledge that He, the Lord Almighty, is our refuge!!!

Father, thank You for this day and for waking us up and setting us on our journey through it. Lord, let Your abundant blessings be our family's portion today. Lord, we praise You that Your Word stands fast forever and ever and that Your precious promises encourage us to rest in Your love and drink deeply from the rock of our salvation. Lord, we pray for the salvation of the lost and for Your return, when Your name be exalted throughout all the earth and the nations will know that You are God. Lord, use us to share the gospel of grace to those who cross our path today.

Father, we love You. Amen.