Be Still and Know

Psalm 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.”

What does 'Be Still' mean to you?  The original Hebrew root of 'be still' doesn't mean be quiet; but 'Let Go and know that I am God.'  Therefore, when we are in chaotic and stressful situations, our best response is to calm ourselves with God's peace knowing He has full control to take care of each of us.  He is all-knowing, always with us and all-sufficient.

"By believing God keeps His promises, we grow stronger in our faith and gain peace. Hardships that would have thrown us off course lose their power to shake us. Hope replaces discouragement, and trust overcomes doubt. When trouble comes, focus on God's ability to care for you."  [intouch.org]

In the verses above, God is addressing everyone--followers and enemies to be still and acknowledge Him as Lord over their lives.  God wants his enemies to threaten and rage no more, because it is all for nothing. "God  will be exalted, He will have his way, will do His own will, will glorify His own name, and wherein they deal proudly he will be above them, and make them know that He is so."  [M.Henry]

God wants His people to not be overwhelmed by the wrongs of this world but to know that He alone is God, He will be exalted over the heathen. God is our refuge and shelter and His people are satisfied by His provisions that secures their well-being.  His grace quiets our minds and fears when we trust and lay it all before Him and let go.

As for myself, my relinquish of control has not always been voluntary but a part of my progressive disease.  Voluntary or not, God desires for me to let go of the fear that comes with loss of  control over my body parts.  For the first 21 years of my life, I unknowingly took for granted the pleasure of sleeping unconfined in any way.  Ah, you cannot put a price on that kind of freedom.  For the past 25 years, I have been forced to sleep on my back with no turning from side to side.  There is fear in mind and body that comes with the lack to do or move as you like.  God has eased those fears with His peace and comfort, that only He and I have gone through together.  Some people say 'I could never' but God's grace is sufficient!

"So as your world crumbles around you, the call from Scripture is: don’t flinch in faith in God. Stand still—not because of a self-made confidence, not because you are the most composed person in the face of disaster, not because “you’ve seen it all.” Be still because of what you know about God.  It is “God’s past” that provides calm for “our future.” Know that he is God! Know it, not merely intellectually, but practically, spiritually, and emotionally. He is your God. He is the ruler of kingdoms of this earth and the all-powerful Creator of the Universe." [ J. Jackson]

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth do change” (Psalm 46:1-2)