Be Still and Know
In the midst of life's chaos, stress, and uncertainties, finding peace and assurance can feel nearly impossible. But Psalm 46:10 reminds of the rest we can find in the Lord. "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 is a psalm of encouragement and comfort, expressing the unwavering trust in God's protection and sovereignty. Verse 10 urges us as believers to quiet our minds, acknowledge God's presence, and surrender our fears and anxieties to Him.
Let’s break it down a bit:
"Be still.” In today’s world, stillness often seems like a foreign concept. Our lives are filled with constant activity, distractions, and an overload of information from various sources. Amidst all the craziness, this psalm reminds us to pause and be still. But what does “being still” even mean? This particular stillness doesn’t imply physical inactivity, but rather a mental and spiritual stillness. Any opposition we have against the Lord needs to stop. Anything that we are holding onto needs be let go of. Instead, we are to sit and recognize God’s glory, simply surrendering to Him and trusting that He really is who He says He is.
"Know that I am God.” A simple yet beautiful reminder that there is a God, and He is in control. We can rest in knowing that truth. We can rest in His guidance. He will lead us besides still waters and restore our souls (Psalm 23.) He will draw near to us when we draw near to Him (James 4:8.) He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28.) God is good and he has proven that time and time again, allowing us to have full confidence in Him. Trusting in God's plan provides profound comfort and stability, even in the most uncertain times.
"I will be exalted.” God’s declaration and promise to be exalted among the nations and the earth reaffirms His ultimate authority in our lives. When we acknowledge God's sovereignty and align ourselves with His will, we are met with strength and courage to face life's trials with grace and hope. That’s the beauty of following Him. We don’t have to do this alone and without hope. There is a God who reigns over us, but also walks right beside us.
My hope is that you will be encouraged by the hopeful invitation of Psalm 46:10. It invites us to find peace in the midst of life's chaos. How do we do that? By embracing stillness and trusting in the Lord’s character. When we fully understand what this verse is telling us to do, we can faithfully apply it to our lives. And when we apply it, we cultivate a life of peace and assurance that outweighs the trials and busyness of the world around us. In moments of uncertainty, let us remember this command from God and be comforted by the knowledge that He is always with us, offering a life of peace, hope, and comfort in Him.
Challenges:
Embrace the stillness. Carve out moments of silence within your day. Whether it’s during your morning prayer time, in the car, or on a walk while enjoying God’s creation, learn to be still and find peace in trusting the Lord.
Surrender control. Acknowledge that there are aspects of life beyond your control. Instead of resisting and trying to handle it all yourself, surrender it at the feet of Jesus and find comfort in knowing that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9.)
Trust in God's perfect timing. This is easier said than done. Patience is one of the most challenging things for me, and I’m constantly having to work at it. But when it comes to trusting God’s timing, we must trust that it’s better than anything we could ever imagine.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your goodness and your grace. Thank you that we can find stillness and security when we rest in your presence. I pray that we could continue to trust your will for our lives and that we would learn to simply surrender it all to you. I pray that every person reading this would experience your nearness today. Would you cover them with joy and equip them to go out and share the good news of the gospel. May our lives reflect you in all that we do. In Jesus’ name! Amen!