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.
“BE STILL” is surrendering everything to GOD, even while still pushing forward to try to make things better---(e.g., feeding the poor, striving for justice and equality, trying to end wars and conflicts between nations, trying to protect the earth, etc.) ---even when all of your efforts seem almost futile or your objectives seem to be teetering on the edge of failure or your goals seem on the precipice of defeat.
“BE STILL” is a spiritually core exercise of faith in GOD.
BE STILL and EXERCISE
To many the idea that one can “be still” and “exercise” seems like an oxymoron—a kind of self-contradiction. Most people think of exercise as being constant movement or action. In fact, what some people really dislike about exercise, is the very fact that they have to “move so much.”
Here are four exercises that can be performed even before you get out of bed to help you get in touch with your body every morning:
- Deep Nose Breathing: Breathe through your nostrils while sweeping your hands down your entire body from head to toe.
- Half-Bridge: Doing isometric moves in bed will strengthen and stretch your body. So, place your feet on the bed with your knees bent, and legs hip-width apart. Lift your tailbone and push up until your upper body becomes a straight line from shoulder to hip to knee. Hold still for 30 seconds, keeping your tailbone lifted and glutes engaged. Then lower yourself onto the bed. Do at least three reps, breathing gently with your abs engaged throughout.
- Straight Leg Raises: After you do your half-bridge exercises, lie flat on your back with your arms at your side and your legs straight. Slowly lift your right leg, exhaling as you lift, until your leg and hip form a 90-degree angle. Hold still your position for a few seconds and then slowly lower the leg down to the bed. Repeat with the alternate leg. Do two sets of 10 reps on each leg.
- Forearm Planks. Get into a push-up position on your mattress, balancing on your forearms instead of your hands. With your weight on your forearms and toes, align your elbows under your shoulders and then lift your body to make a straight line from head to heels. Hold still this position for 20 seconds while breathing gently. Rest for 30 seconds by placing your knees on the bed. Do at least three reps.
See, https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/4-exercises-you-can-do-in-bed
Hopefully, these bed exercises will help you feel stronger as you start your day and help strengthen your core. However, always be mindful, if you have a medical condition or you are taking medication, that you should speak with your personal physician or an exercise therapist about what exercises are appropriate for you.
YEAR 2022 CORE BUILDING
It’s here! It’s 2022! Now is the time to strengthen “your physical core.” If you procrastinated in 2021 or you were inconsistent in 2021 or years before, ask yourself: “If not now, when?”
Today, give yourself a “spiritual examination” or ask GOD to “spiritually examine you,” for greater accuracy.
Ask GOD, do you need to:
- Improve your prayer life;
- Gain a greater understanding of GOD’s WORD through church attendance (in person or virtual), Sunday School Bible study, or Family Bible study
- Join an active church or community ministry or do something else.
Think about it.
Pray about it!
Ask others to pray for you and with you as you consult with GOD.
Please pray for each member of this Wednesday's “family” message devotional ministry.
Remember, 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.
So, keep striving. And, if things still seem to go wrong, don’t give up, just “Be Still” and surrender everything to GOD!
In 2022, “BE STILL” and BE BLESSED!
