Be Still

It is almost impossible for me to be still. I even fidget when I am sitting down doing “nothing.” I am worst at home where there are always dishes beckoning me to wash, dirty clothes to pick up, furniture to dust, dinner to prepare, bills to pay, and the list goes on. How on earth can I sit still and relax? 

The first part of Psalm 46 says “…the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea … its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (vs.2 & 3). That description brings to mind the horrific scenes I have seen of the recent television reports regarding the devastation and destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, resulting in entire communities getting wiped off the face of the earth.

Then in verse 6: “Nations in uproar, kingdoms fall…” This again brings to mind the internal wars being waged right now in many countries in the Middle East. 

Earthquakes, tsunamis, devastating hurricanes, wars - these situations provide a perfect excuse for anybody to panic, to be in a frenzy, but certainly not the time to just be still! 

However, the Psalmist wants us to see that in the midst of all the turmoil and catastrophes, God is in-charge and is very much in control. 

“Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire” (vs. 8 and 9). 

Nothing happens without His direct intervention! Then he says: “Be still, and know that I am God…” Another way of saying this is: Stand back guys! Just watch! I am about to do something that is going to blow you away!” 

There are many right now, who are facing certain challenges that threaten their sanity and stability. In the current economic conditions, there are many who have lost jobs, resulting in losing their homes, and still for many, in losing loved ones through divorce! There are those who are facing challenges that threaten their very existence through debilitating or fatal illness. However, there are many whose challenges may not be as big, but could be equally debilitating: living with obnoxious teens, living beside a problematic neighbor, working with an impossible boss, or always having to make both ends meet from paycheck to paycheck. In the midst of big or small challenges, often our tendency is to panic, fret, or get frantic.

God sees and knows what we are going through. He wants to remind us that in whatever situation, He is there, and He wants to be exalted (vs. 10 and 11). Every impossible situation is a perfect opportunity for Him to display His power and magnify Himself. So, instead of getting frantic, trying this or that…simply, stand back, and trust Him to impress you and show you what He’s got!! 

The strong hands of God twisted the crown of thorns into a crown of glory; and in such hands we are safe.     -  Charles Williams

He says, “Be still and know that I am God…”  – Psalm 46:10

Esmie Newman