Scripture
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Reflection
In Psalm 46 we witness God’s all-powerful sovereignty over everything. This psalm proclaims the power of God in one sphere after another. In verses 1-3 we read about his power over nature, verses 4-7 talks about God’s power over the attackers of the psalmist’s city and in the last 3 verses we see God’s power over the whole warring world. The strong and bold tone of the psalm suggests that the psalm was composed at a time of crisis, which makes the confession of the composer’s faith particularly impressive.
What’s interesting about the command ‘Be still’ in verse 10 is not comfort for the distraught (although God performs such a function as seen in the words ‘fortress’ and ‘refuge’). But instead, the command is a rebuke to a restless and turbulent world. Similar wording and usage are found in Mark 4:39 when Jesus calms the storm:
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
And the result of such a command is not for man’s hopes but it’s for God’s glory. The end goal for God to quiet our storms, giants and challenges is not for our hope (although we absolutely benefit from it), but it is ultimately to display God’s glory for all the nations to behold.
May this psalm encourage you today, regardless your storm, giant or challenge you are facing. Know that God has the power to quiet them and to command them to be still. All for his glory and his alone.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Invite the Holy Spirit to show you something to rejoice over. Look beyond your current circumstances to the Lord of all Creation. Remember that you are fully, unconditionally loved. Take time to rejoice in the goodness of the God who has saved you.
