Psalms 46: Be still, and know that I am GOD.
Summary
The psalms are a collection of lyrical poems or sacred songs in praise of GOD. Usually, when people think of Biblical musicians or songs they immediately think of the various books of psalms. David frequently comes to mind as a musician and psalm writer. However, David was not the first musician nor he is the writer of all the psalms or songs in the Bible.
According to Genesis 4:21 the first musician was Jubal. The Living Bible refers to Jubal as the “inventor of the harp and flute.” The King James translation calls Jubal the “father of all such as handle the harp and organ.” The reference to “organ” probably refers to “pipe or wind instruments,” and certainly should not be confused with the modern day electrical organs in many churches today.
And there are other references to musicians and singers before David. Exodus 15 records the song that Moses and the Israelites sang to the Lord and the song of that Miriam, Moses and Aaron’s sister, sang with timbrels (or tambourine) in her hand and danced with the women to the LORD. In Judges 11, we are told that Jephthah’s daughter came out to meet him, after his great victory against the Ammonites with timbrels and dances.
Psalms 46 is one of the great psalms of GOD’s people. According to Wikipedia, Psalms 46 is often recited as part of Jewish, Catholic, Anglican and Protestant liturgical services. 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, many, many times throughout their worship years. According to Wikipedia, parts of Psalm 46 is used or referenced in several Jewish prayers. In the Catholic church Psalms 46 is often included or recited as part of the matins or “morning prayers” or “early cockcrow prayer,” originally celebrated by monastic monks, in the first two hours after midnight. In many Protestant churches, including Baptist, Church of GOD, First A&M, Methodist and other church denominations, it would not be uncommon to hear a preacher mount a pulpit speaking these words, or hear a deacon or church “prayer warrior” include these words in a prayer or testimony in praise of the GOODNESS of GOD.
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. However, not much is said about Psalms 46:10, “Be still…”
Some believe that Psalms 46:10 is a message to the enemies of GOD. They point to the next verse which states: “I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. They believe that this verse is a warning to heathen nations or the enemies of GOD that they should “put down their arms” “cease fighting” and just “stop” because, they can’t win against GOD, so it is useless to fight GOD’s people. The verse is a warning to the heathens to “Be Still” or be crushed!
Others believe that Psalms 46:10 is a message to GOD’s people. This is a message for those “fixer” or “problem solver” believers. These are the ones who are used to fixing problems and “figuring out things” for so long that when the “impossible” and the “unfixable” comes along, they spend hours looking for solutions. They experience a great deal of frustration when all their human efforts fail. To them GOD says, “BE STILL” and wait on THE LORD; some things are just beyond what humans are capable of fixing.
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.
“BE STILL” is surrendering everything to GOD.
“BE STILL” is a spiritually core exercise of faith in GOD.
Be Still and Exercise
To many the idea of that one can “be still” and “exercise” seems like an oxymoron—a kind of self-contradiction. Most people think of exercise as being a constant movement or action. It may be what many people dislike about exercise, the fact that they have to “move so much.”
Some exercise, called Isometric exercises, still provide a workout. Here are just a few:
- Find a wall. Place your forearms flat against the wall (with your elbows pointed toward the floor) about shoulder width apart and make a fist with your hands. Assume a lunge position with one foot forward (knee slightly bent) and one foot back, with your heels on the ground. Now push against the wall and hold still for a count of ten. Then switch feet.
- Stand up straight. Put your hands in a prayer position with your elbows pointed in the opposite directions. Breathe deeply as you press your hand together, maintaining and holding still your posture.
- Find a wall. With your back against the wall (put a pillow on the floor under you, if necessary), place your feet about a foot from the wall. Now slowly slide down the wall a few inches at a time, keeping your low back in contact with the wall. As you slide down, hold still at intervals and count up to 10 before going down further. If you can, get into a “sitting in an imaginary” chair position, next make a fist with your left hand and cover that fist with your right hand in your sitting chair position and relax and hold still, counting to 10. Slide back up and repeat the process down again.
According to Mayo Clinic, isometric exercises help maintain strength. Because they are done in one position, “without movement,” they improve strength in one position. They often help with stability and core. See, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/isometric-exercises/faq-20058186. Mayo Clinic states that some studies have shown that isometric exercises may help lower blood pressure; however, they still suggest that if you have high blood pressure (or any medical problem, including heart problems) you first consult your physician about your doing an isometric exercise program. According to the above-reference Mayo Clinic article, holding your breath or straining during weight isometric training can sometimes cause blood pressure to spike.
Core Building
When we “Be Still” as the Word of GOD instructs us and we have faith that “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, GOD strengthens our spiritual core. Not for our glory, but for HIS.
Exercise comes in many forms. Isometric exercises are just another way to build strength and improve our physical core.
Pray one for another. Pray that we all gain greater physical and spiritual health in what we eat and do. Pray, we learn to be discerning eaters. Pray we “eat” the WORD.
“BE STILL” and BE BLESSED!
