For the leader. A song of the Korahites. According to alamoth.
I
God is our refuge and our strength,
an ever-present help in distress.
Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken
and mountains quake to the depths of the sea,
Though its waters rage and foam
and mountains totter at its surging.
II
Streams of the river gladden the city of God
the holy dwelling of the Most High.
God is in its midst; it shall not be shaken;
God will help it at break of day.
Though nations rage and kingdoms totter,
he utters his voice and the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
III
Come and see the works of the Lord,
who has done fearsome deeds on earth;
Who stops wars to the ends of the earth,
breaks the bow, splinters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire;
Be still and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
exalted on the earth.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
our stronghold is the God of Jacob.
Psalms 46:1-12
“Be still and know that I am God!” Don’t you love this idea? I think it is one of the most comforting lines in Sacred Scripture. If only we could follow this command throughout our lives!
Imagine it: “Be still.” What does that even look like? Can you find that peace?
When the troubles of the world become overwhelming – “Be still.” When the responsibilities of my life become daunting – “Be still.” When my friends seem to desert me – “Be still.” When others are unkind to me – “Be still.” When a friend or family member is hurting – “Be still.” When I am reminded of the frailty of life – “Be still.” When I realize that I have sinned – “Be still.”
But it’s the second part of the line that makes stillness possible: “know that I am God.” God is just telling us, “Hey, I’ve got this!” There is nothing that the devil can throw at us that God cannot deflect. No matter how desperate things might seem, God can get us through it. Even when I mess things up myself, God will pick me up again.
Are we ready to accept this tremendous blessing? Can we find the glorious stillness that God offers? It’s all about faith, isn’t it? How can we find that strength of faith? Especially in this Lenten season, let’s seek the calm and peace of God’s stillness in our lives, and let’s always look for ways to help others find it, too.