Daily Wisdom

Psa 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God…”

Our society is good at utilizing scripture and graphics to design and market products that bring monetary profits. In doing so making such verses as (Psa 46:10) easily quotable but lacking the fullness and power of its context within the whole chapter.

This verse is beautiful when quoted by itself and does bring a hope for comfort and peace. But, many people believe it simply means to “rest or relax” in God.  And while it does cause one to reflect on who God is, there is more to this Psalm than the simple popular quoted form.

In the full context of (Psalms 46), there’s a more powerful statement of awe in who God is than simple rest. The words “be still” is written during a time of trouble and war; therefore, changing its fullness to much more than simple rest.

Looking at the words “be still” in the original language (raphah) is the Hebrew word meaning to "cease or forsake" in striving to do.  Meaning more specifically "stop fighting" the enemies before you. The Psalmist is encouraging us to "stop fearing and warring" and acknowledge who our God is "be still and KNOW that I am God."

And while (vs 10) has something to say to both the enemies of God and the people of God, it’s written to His children. To grasp the fullness, start in (vs 1) “God is our refuge and strength, (emphasis added), a very present help in trouble.”  Going on to tell us, we shall not fear even though the earth be removed, and mountains carried into the sea… (vs 2).

Keep in mind this is a Psalm, a song sung by the choirmaster. Sung as a promise of security in God and our eternal hope despite what wars around us. The Psalmist throughout the eleven verses, describes the Lord’s characteristics and attributes: He is our refuge, strength, presences, His voice melts the earth. The imagery of who God is and what He provides during the heights of our wars should cause us to simply “be still” and stop battling the enemies that surround us and allow His promises to subdue our spirit knowing He’s sovereign and we’re protected by His strength.

The full promise of Psalms 46 is that the people of God are always secure no matter what environment they may be living in – war, turmoil, fear, hopelessness, doubt, etc. – God has secured the souls of believers through Jesus Christ. It’s our faith that requires us to stop fighting and start singing of the promise the Psalmist wrote for us over 3,000 yrs. ago.

Peace Prevails in the Power of God’s Promises.

HSAY… Todd