01/05/2022 BE STILL
Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am GOD:
Summary
Psalms 46 is one of the great psalms of GOD’s people. Many worshippers may not remember the psalm number, but many recall hearing “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” many times throughout their years of worship and perhaps especially during the past “COVID” years
It is said that Martin Luther used Psalm 46 verse 1 as inspiration for his famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” And, shortly after observing a moment of silence, President Obama on the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center 9/11 attack read the famous words: “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” See, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/psalm-46-obamas-911-speech_n_958954
Psalms 46:10 is also a message for those “worriers” and “wondering” believers.” They can’t understand why GOD “isn’t doing something right now “(because they would if they could!). And sometimes, if the truth be told, they are “wondering if GOD is going to show up at all” or “wonder how GOD is going to fix it.” They worry. They are anxious. To them, GOD says “BE STILL.”
Psalms 46:10 is also a message to those who think the battle is already lost---since “Lazarus (or their loved one) is already dead.” [See John 11] They already lost their house in the fire/earthquake, flood. Everything “is a mess” even though they thought they were doing everything they were supposed to do. The enemy has wreaked havoc within their lives--with their families, their property, and even their bodies. These are the “JOB believers.” To them, the message is “BE STILL and know that I am GOD.” And, remember “I will be exalted in the earth.” These are the believers that will “never know” why? These are the believers that may never understand why they seem to be the targets of spiritual warfare or figure out many of the other mysteries of the universe. (See Job 39) They just have to “gird up” (tighten their spiritual core) and “BE STILL,” reminding themselves and standing firm on the knowledge and faith that “GOD IS our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” even when physical sight, physical pain, and present circumstances suggest otherwise.