Psalm 46:10 …be still and know that I am God…

What do you think of when you read that verse?

Is it a call to find a corner, make yourself small and hope for the best?

Is it a call to be quiet in worship?  …I’ve sometimes heard it used that way.

Is it a call to have a regular quiet time?

What does it mean to be still?

Two things can help us understand what the psalmist is saying here.  First, the meaning of the word itself, and secondly it’s context in the Psalm.

I won’t bore you with my limited understanding of the Hebrew language.  The word is used several times in scripture and is translated in a variety of ways depending on the context.  My favourite (and the one that I thinks come closest to capturing the original language) is the NASB’s “Cease from striving”.

 

Stop fighting! …and know that I am God!

Is it “If you want to know Me you must stop fighting”  OR  “I will be found …or better, I will be seen when you stop making a scene.” ?

You can let the Spirit guide you as to how that applies to your set of circumstances.

With that in mind let’s look at the Psalm as a whole…

Bear in mind that this is song – it’s not meant to be split into tiny sections and put on fridge magnets… it was intended to be sung as a package.

You need to read the whole psalm to understand it…

 

God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

That’s why we do not fear!

… the world might crumble around us but…

God is right in the middle of the chaos!

God is right in the middle of the chaos!  (it’s subtle but powerful)

 

Our God is not any ol’ god, He is the “LORD of HOSTS” and

The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob [the God of our forefathers…

The God who has proved Himself powerful, and able for generations!

This God is in absolute control!

 

…and here it is…

 

Cease striving!  Stop trying so hard… stop fighting!

“Cease striving and know that I am God;

Even the nations will exalt ME!

Somehow…

Suddenly…

That’s enough…

 

 

…just sayin’…