WATCHWORD:
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a
Meditation:
KISS: Be Still and Know
Keep It Simple Saint, and be still and know.
Many people consider Psalm 46:10 to mean rest and relax in who God is. Certainly the verse encourages believers to reflect on who God is, but there is more to this Psalm than this one verse. Verse 10 is more like a wake-up call to awesome awareness of who God is, rather than a gentle call to rest. Taking time out to meditate on scripture and be silent with listening ears for God within your day is implied, but it’s mentioned in many other sections of scripture. This command is written in a time of trouble and war, therefore, we should consider the verse in that context.
The phrase Be still, and know that I am God! calls us to pause and reflect, reminding us that God is still in control no matter what happens in our lives. By being still and connecting with our faith, we can find peace even amidst the chaos of life. We could take a moment to be thankful for what we have and remember that trials that surround us in this day and age, are all part of God’s plan.
We can use this time to pray and ask God for guidance and strength. Being still isn’t always easy, but it can be enriching if we take time to be thankful and remember that God is always with us.
Another way to look at it is to interpret Be still as a gentle suggestion that lends itself more to cease striving, or stop, and, more specifically in this context, stop fighting which may be directed toward the enemies of peace, God’s peace.
The “more” in Psalm 46 is found in verses 1-5, which set the stage for the power of God: God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God can be known. So be it. (Meditation inspired by Liz Auld of Crosswalk.com – Grow in Faith.)
Keep it simple, Saint: Be still and know! Be still and trust. Amen.
Praying Psalm 46:
Heavenly Father, You are the One I run to when the world around me is falling apart. You alone are my refuge and my strength. In times of trouble, You have always helped me. You have never failed me. You are trustworthy. Because of Your faithfulness, though I may begin to fear in times of unrest and uncertainty, I put my hope and trust in You knowing You will quiet my fears.Your Spirit gives me peace and brings me joy. Your presence alone keeps me strong in You. As Your enemy rages against You and Your children, You fight for us and protect us. You are the LORD of Hosts and our mighty fortress.
LORD, when I see all that is going on in this world and how it rebels against You, You quiet my fear by reminding me of Your works. Whether through war or through peace, You have made known not only to Your children, but to Your enemies as well, that You alone are God. With one utterance of Your voice, You still the chaos. You will be exalted among the nations and in all the earth. Help me and help us, Your children, to always lift Your name up on high and to forever praise You, for You alone are our God and our protector. Help us. to be still and know. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
