Honor God by Being Still

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭

This verse in Psalm 46 is part of a song to God for His deliverance, refuge and security over the people of Israel. At the time, there were many wars and battles going on against Israel. “Be still and know that I am God” was both instruction and comfort for God's people, Israel. It was calling them to literally be still and recognize His care and protection over them, and also acknowledge His supremacy over every situation. Recognizing His power, might and authority over everything makes the rest of verse 46 so powerful. He says, “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” He is not saying, if you choose to recognize me or give me credit then I will be exalted, or even, if you will be still, I will be exalted. No, He is exalted, so we might as well be still. He is sovereign over everything! We can rest in His great ability to care for us. This gives us a whole new perspective of His power and presence in our lives. Psalm 46:11 shows us this as it reminds us that He is with us, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”.

Recently, the Lord used this verse to teach me about keeping my mind still. We were going through a storm of uncertainty in our lives, and my thoughts were occupied with the unknown. It basically felt chaotic between all the reoccurring "what ifs". During an early morning quiet time, I felt the sweet whisper of the Lord tell me to “Stop”. I could feel the “stop” much like an exasperated parent telling their child to stop. He then reminded me to “be still and know that He is God.” That immediately broke my train of thought and allowed my mind to stop and focus on Him.

Our battles come in different forms, and our enemy is always the same seeking to derail our minds with the what ifs. However, our God is always the same and remains constant every single time. I was filled with peace as I leaned into His presence and started to focus on Him instead of my circumstances. If we will be still before Him in every situation, this verse from Philippians will become a testimony of leaning on Him and of His faithful care over us: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7).‬

“Knowing He is God” is as simple as recognizing His authority and sovereignty in all things, including whatever is going on in your life. The next psalm, Psalm 47, gives us a wonderful example of recognizing God as Lord over all. It begins with “Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth" (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭47‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ). The Lord is our great King and Lord of all, and He will be exalted. He is with us! These two psalms are wonderfully and purposefully placed together. What a guide to us all: Be still, recognize God for who He really is, give thanks to Him, and focus on Him instead of what ifs and circumstances. We might as well be still because He is Sovereign and Lord of all.

-Rebecca