Be Still and Know

In my time with the Lord this morning, I began singing that simple but beautiful song, "Be still and know that I am God." Just in case you haven't heard it before, I've recorded this song for you (you'll have to forgive my voice, since I'm singing a cappella). You can check it out at:

http://www.online-bible-college.com/bestill.mp3

This song, of course, is based on Psalm 46, which says:

Verse 1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Verses 2-3 - Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah.

Verse 4 - There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

Verse 5 - God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Verse 6 - Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

Verse 7 - The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.

Verse 8 - Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

Verse 9 - He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.

Verse 10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Verse 11 - The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.

This whole psalm seems to have been written just for me. The context is one of deliverance in the face of insuperable obstacles, and the basis of this deliverance is the never-failing presence of God. It is on this basis that Psalm 46:10 says: "Be still and know that I am God."

I was meditating again on that simple statement. I think that sometimes we can be so busy trying to work out the answer that we miss God's "still small voice" (note 1 Kings 19:11-13). It's only as we are still - quietening our souls within us (see Psalm 131:2) - that we hear that "still small voice" - which not only confirms the Lord's presence, but also gives redemptive direction.

When Moses lead the people of Israel out of Egypt they suddenly found themselves facing the Red Sea, with the armies of Egypt pursuing them close behind. All natural options seemed to be closed, and yet in Exodus 14:13-14, Moses told the people:

"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Again, in 2 Chronicles 20:20, Jehoshaphat's response was to the people was:

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you."

And so, Lord, today I choose to be still before you. I will quieten my soul and witness your work in my life.