Be Still

– Ponderings:

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice; the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Come, behold the works of the Lord …

“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations;
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalm 46 is one you’ve probably heard before. Be “still” and know that I am God. We read the word “still” and assume it means to be quiet or to rest, but that’s not entirely accurate. It’s a command for God’s people to stop or cease fighting against God and to open their eyes to who He is and what He is trying to do in their lives.

The people to whom the psalmist is writing are in trouble and they’re afraid. It seems as though the very earth itself is against them. Things are so chaotic, that it seems that everything they’ve believed and relied on is being turned upside down. In their panic, they are looking everywhere for answers except to God.

It’s easy to be fearful when things aren’t going well or when facing challenges and conflicts. We feel like we’re alone in trying to find answers. God is telling us to stop fighting and trying to do things ourselves. He is telling us to trust Him. God is reminding us: “I am your God. I am your refuge and your strength. You have nothing to fear or worry about because I am with you. I will fight your battles and deal with your enemies. Don’t try and do my job for me. Get out of my way and let me be God. Be still and watch me work.”

The word “selah” at the end of each section, is a Hebrew word that invites the reader to pause and think about what has just been said. It functions like a rest note in a musical score. It tells us as readers to take a breath before moving on.

I invite you to re-read Psalm 46, pausing at each “selah” to reflect on the meaning of what you’ve just read. Then, for just a few minutes, be still. Remember who God is and trust that He is working for your good.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be still before you. In my busy life, help me to make time to pause and remember that you are God, my refuge and strength. Remind me that you are in control even when I cannot see the outcome. Fill my heart with your peace and strengthen my faith as I trust in you. Amen.