Be still

One thing that we can all relate to is that we are always on the move: working, school, friends, church, etc. And I believe I am in that mix right now. This past week I went to Ft. McClellan, close to Anniston, Al. I was busy, busy, busy. I felt I needed to do something, even before I left. We always want to do something. So, the one thing we turn to is 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.” (NIV)


What we don’t realize is that we misuse this verse, to some extent. I’ve heard many of us, me included of course, use this verse to say, “Hey man, just stop, don’t be so busy, and realize God is here.” Maybe not in those exact words, but close enough. Let’s look at the entire Psalm:

 ¹ God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
³ Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.
                         Selah.
 ⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
⁶ The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
⁷ The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
                         Selah.
 ⁸ Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
⁹ He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
¹⁰ “Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
¹¹ The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.
                         Selah.