Verse
Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God”
Thoughts
This verse is close to my heart. It hangs on a sign in my kitchen, so I can be reminded of it often. This verse read independently or out of context, can make us falsely believe that it was written during a time of peace and rest. However, this verse was recorded in a time of war, trouble, and turmoil. It was written as a wake-up call to God’s people.
“Be still and know that I am God” is an imperative or an exhortation with two parts. The first part is to “be still.” There are many meanings of the phrase “be still.” It denotes to stop striving, to wait, surrender, be quiet, and find contentment. The second part of the verse is to “know.” It means to acknowledge, be in awe, be aware of through observation, absolutely certain, and be familiar or acquainted through personal experience. In many ways, the two go hand in hand. We can’t know God unless we can be still, and we can’t be still without knowing God.
Let’s go back to the beginning of this chapter where we learn who God is and gain insight into his character. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” The chapter opens by reminding God’s people that he is a refuge, a shelter in times of trouble. In ancient times, shepherds would let their flocks graze. At nighttime, they would need to provide shelter to protect them from predators. A cave was an ideal shelter. If a cave was not nearby, the shepherd would build a haven using stones to create a wall around the sheep. Then the shepherd would literally lie down in front of the opening of the cave or hand-made shelter, becoming a physical barrier or gate to the sheep. He was the first line of defense. This is our Jesus! He is our barrier, our protector from harm; additionally, he is our door to the Father. We can rest and be still knowing that he is our first line of defense in times of trouble. When we understand God in this way, we can run to him during times of difficulty and danger. He’s the only one that will formidably stand through the storms of life.
When we know someone, it’s more than just having head-knowledge about them. It’s a relationship. It’s a journey. It’s developed over time, with the best of friends walking through good times and the storms of life with you. When I was young, I knew a lot of facts about God and the Bible, and there is great importance in that knowledge as it teaches us who God is. As I have grown older, I understand God in a more familiar way. I talk to him. I read his Word to be acquainted with him more fully. He’s even walked with me when I have been bitterly angry with him. My emotions aren’t too much for him and don’t frighten him away. He is relentless. He is constant. He is my refuge. This is relationship. This is knowing him-walking with him daily, going about life together through the ups and downs. He is a continual, ever-present joy in my life. Since I know him, that gives me cause to be still. I can rest in who he is no matter my circumstances.
As we exercise the habit of turning to God and trusting Him, especially during these difficult times, we can be still in his presence and filled with his peace, assured that he is God. Our refuge. Our strength. Our help.
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