“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10 (KJV)
How often have we longed for peace in our own minds, being faced with personal, family, or even national difficulty or disaster?
The Psalms were written in response to events in the lives of the writers. Many of the chapters speak directly to “waiting on the Lord,” or to putting our trust in God for His salvation and deliverance, and even to praising and thanking Him in the midst of difficulty. Psalm 46, a Psalm of the sons of Korah, emphasises God’s protection, stability, and presence during times of chaos, danger, and hardship.
What is it to “be still” in this context? To be still in God’s presence is to cease from striving, to be calm, quiet, let go, to surrender control, and stop worrying. It is a call to trust in the unfailing God.
And how can we learn to “be still”? When we know. When we have this assurance and are fully persuaded that He has all things under His control and will do what is necessary when it is necessary. When we exude calm quietness amid all the confusion around us. When we make rational decisions and are able to experience and promote order. In essence, when the peace that only God can give becomes our portion.
And what do we know? We know or understand, accept, agree, and acknowledge that He has it all worked out for our good. When we know this, we can be at peace when the storms are raging high, when there are ‘fightings without and fears within.’ We have the assurance that all is well, despite what we see or feel. Why? Because “the Lord of Hosts [the Commander of heaven’s armies] is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:11, KJV). When we know this, we experience the peace of God that defies human understanding.
Prayer
Lord, we long to experience the peace that only You can give. Help us to trust Your Word to guide us through every difficulty, every storm, and bring us safely to our desired haven. In Jesus’s mighty name, Amen.
Read: Psalm 27:1; Psalm 27:14
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 71:1-8; Acts 4:1-22; 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12