Be Still

April 16

Deuteronomy 29-30

Psalm 46

Proverbs 11:12-13

Luke 11:29-54

Be Still

“Therefore we will not fear, though the Earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging….God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day…The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress…He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the Earth.” 

Psalm 46 2-3, 5, 7, 10 NIV

Psalm 46 has been a source of peace to countless believers throughout the ages.  It sums up the source of our hope and strength.  The help of God is greater than any crisis we may face.  The psalm begins with, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Many Psalms begin with a description of the crisis they are experiencing.  But here, David begins by acknowledging God’s provision.  God Himself is the place where we run when we are in trouble.  He alone is our source of strength and help.  David is very familiar with trouble and distress.  He had spent many days and nights in fear for his life when he was being hunted by Saul.  He could say from experience that no matter what happened to him, God had been there to help him in every situation.  His words were not uttered carelessly.  He came up with the most frightening scenario he could imagine where the Earth gave way and the mountains fell into the sea and he chose to trust that even if the worst thing happened, God was able to take care of him and he would not be afraid.  He surmised that if God is the refuge and strength of His people, then we have no reason to fear because He is capable of providing protection. 

            David then described the city of God that is at peace because God is in the midst of her.  He was referring to Jerusalem, the place where the tabernacle of the Most High dwelled, but he was also foretelling a time when God’s perfect city, the New Jerusalem would provide eternal peace and blessing.  He said that Jerusalem would not fall because God would protect her.  Finally, David delivered a message from God Himself.  He said, “Be still, and know that I am God.”  In the chaos and stress of life, we can be still and rest in His presence.  In the busyness and the turmoil, we can stop and recognize that God is in control.  When we are afraid and uncertain about the future, we can trust that He has it all figured out.  When we are tired and feel like we can’t go on, we can lean on His strength.  When life hurts, He is our source of comfort.  Whatever we need in any situation, we can know that God will be whatever we need.  Instead of being anxious and fearful, we can place our faith and hope in His provision.  When everyone around us is falling apart, we can stand firm and secure.  We will not fall and we will not be shaken because He is our God.  Be Still.