The power of these verses is not simply in what it says but also where it lies in the context of the verses around it. Psalm 46 is a very tumultuous Psalm. It begins with a declaration not to be afraid though the very earth around us is melting and the mountains fall into the sea. Quite the unnerving scenario. It goes on to describe nations raging, entire kingdoms being displaced, war, and desolation. Yet in the midst of this turmoil is the admonition for us to "Be still". Literally the Hebrew word used here, "rapha", means to relax and let go; to release our need to control the world around us; to cease our struggle to have everything our way; to surrender our hold on the things of this earth. In the midst of a world wildly out of control, what security can we possibly find that would bring peace to our chaos? The knowledge that God is still God. The awareness that, despite the way circumstances may appear, He knows exactly what He is doing. Nothing has caught Him off guard, nor is He intimidated by unfolding events around us. We rest in the knowledge that the Almighty King of the Universe has ways that we don't need to understand. The creator of all that exists knows His own plans and is under no obligation to explain His actions to us. He simply says, "Be still and trust me." When all is said and done, the fact that He will still be God is more certain than the sun rising tomorrow. Regardless what happens, He will be exalted among the nations, and He will be exalted in the earth. And why is this knowledge supposed to calm our hearts? The answer lies in verse 11. This same God, "the Lord of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge."
"Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10.
The power of these verses is not simply in what it says but also where it lies in the context of the verses around it. Psalm 46 is a very tumultuous Psalm. It begins with a declaration not to be afraid though the very earth around us is melting and the mountains fall into the sea. Quite the unnerving scenario. It goes on to describe nations raging, entire kingdoms being displaced, war, and desolation. Yet in the midst of this turmoil is the admonition for us to "Be still". Literally the Hebrew word used here, "rapha", means to relax and let go; to release our need to control the world around us; to cease our struggle to have everything our way; to surrender our hold on the things of this earth. In the midst of a world wildly out of control, what security can we possibly find that would bring peace to our chaos? The knowledge that God is still God. The awareness that, despite the way circumstances may appear, He knows exactly what He is doing. Nothing has caught Him off guard, nor is He intimidated by unfolding events around us. We rest in the knowledge that the Almighty King of the Universe has ways that we don't need to understand. The creator of all that exists knows His own plans and is under no obligation to explain His actions to us. He simply says, "Be still and trust me." When all is said and done, the fact that He will still be God is more certain than the sun rising tomorrow. Regardless what happens, He will be exalted among the nations, and He will be exalted in the earth. And why is this knowledge supposed to calm our hearts? The answer lies in verse 11. This same God, "the Lord of Hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge."
2 Comments
10/2/2014 02:41:50 am
Chet, Oh yes God is still God and always will be. We can be still in times of stress like the world today in this knowledge and relying on the comforter that Jesus promised. Just surrender your hang ups and fears and be STILL. Chet this sermonette is as insightful as your sermons. Yours in Christian love, Jim
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Jim Stillwell
11/17/2014 03:55:12 am
Chet God has blessed you with the insight to shared His word so that the babes in Christ can understand it. We love you and yours Jim
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Author: Chet ToddHello, I'm Chet. From the time I was a child I knew God had called me to preach and teach. My prayer is that God will use me to help others grow closer to Him. Archives
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