Psalms 46:10 – Be still

Psalms 46:10 - He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

I read this story some time ago. Not sure if it’s true but there’s real meaning behind it. 

Some years ago, a major art gallery sponsored a competition for painters and for the best painting on the subject of "Peace." Many entries were submitted but the one that won the competition was a real surprise. The painter drew a scene of a violent storm in the sea. The sky was dark and threatening and the lightning was cutting across the sky. The waves were crashing into the rocks of the cliffs. There is certainly not a picture of peace. Where was the peace? You had to scrutinize carefully to understand what was going on. Up the cliff, was a birds' nest tucked into a tiny hollow in the rock. A mother bird was sitting on that nest with her little babies tucked underneath her, sleeping soundly. In the midst of the storm, there was peace.

There’s no good news in the world today. All the headline points to disaster, hate, calamities, fears and the prospect of war. There is no trust amongst the nations and even people cannot be trusted. Covid19 has taken so many lives and the number is still counting. Many countries are in lockdown and there appears to be no light at the end of the tunnel.

The word for us today is “Be still”. God is still God and He is still on the throne. He will be exalted. His purposes will be fulfilled on the earth and in our lives as well. There is always the temptation to fret, doubt, worry and fear. The psalmist wants us to know that God is in total control. 

• Psalms 121:5 - Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

Peace is not just the absence of a storm, but rest in the middle of the storm. Many of us could use that kind of peace right now, and it is the kind of peace that you can have right now we keep still and let the Lord take control. He knows what's best for us. Be still.

Sometimes God calls us to fight, and sometimes he tells us to be still. 

I am reminded of the story in Exodus where the Israelites were fleeing from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The LORD had fought for them in Egypt by displaying horrors and miracles through Aaron and Moses. Finally Pharaoh relented and the Israelites were. However Pharaoh changed his mind, went after the children of Israel. The people knew there was nothing they could do to protect themselves from the mighty King of Egypt. They were no soldiers and they had no weapons. They were simply in a hopeless situation.

When the children of Israel cried out to Moses, this is what Moses said

•       Exodus 14: 13-14 - Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

The rest was history.

Today if you are struggling with your battles and are about to give up, Be Still, the Lord will fight for you. He will be exalted amongst the nations; He will be exalted in your life.