Be Still

When I woke up early this morning, these words immediately came to my mind, “Be still and know that I am God.” I couldn’t remember the reference so I googled it and discovered all over again the gift of Psalm 46. I would encourage you to be still too. I can assure you that you need 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. Selah (Psalm 46:1-3)

“A very present help” can also be translated “a well-proved help.” I love both translations! God is present now and he has been present before. God did it once and he can do it again. Because of that we will not fear. We will not fear though the earth gives way. Because of where we live, earthquakes are not a major fear. However I know that you could finish that phrase with your own fear. We will not fear though my diagnosis is cancer, though my prognosis is grim, though the Covid numbers rise, though I lose my job, though my grades suffer. We will not fear because God is very present and He is well-proved.

Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth, he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. (vs. 4-7)

We have a choice today and every day: what will we behold? We can either behold the works of the Lord or we can behold a litany of other things: the ever changing stock market, backbiting politicians, the news, Facebook drama. The list is endless of all that clamors for our attention. For a moment (or two or three) take your gaze off your circumstances and behold his wondrous works. He is a very present, well-proved help.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (vs. 10)

This is the only time God speaks in this Psalm! It is as if the sons of Korah are writing and God interrupts! Even they, the writers of the Psalm, need to be still! Another translation renders this verse, “Cease striving and know that I am God.” What God said to me early this morning was this, “Cease striving and know that I am God…and that you are not.” Ouch! Simply put, pray first and solve problems second. Pray more, worry less. Pray more, talk less.

Adrian shared this last night. It might be the best rendition of How Great Thou Art I’ve ever heard. Be still. Listen.