Be Still And Know That I Am God Psalm 46:10
Psalm 46 God is a refuge in times of trouble (vv. 1-3) God is with us in times of trouble (vv. 4-7) God must be thought of in times of trouble (vv. 8-11) Behold (v. 8) Be still (v. 10)
Times of Trouble and Turmoil What are we to do in times of trouble and turmoil? Fall away? Complain? The world is filled with “noise” (46:2,3,6,9): worldliness, wickedness, war (Isa. 17:12-13; Hab. 2:18-20) We need to follow the psalmist’s advice: Be still, and know that I am God (46:10)
Be Still Heb. raphah, “to cease, let go, relax, leave off, be still” “Cease striving…” (NASV) “Let go…” (GWT) “Desist…” (YLT) We need to make a regular habit of being “still” to reflect upon God – “stand still” (Ex. 14:13; 1 Sam. 12:16; Job 37:14)
Be Still Interruption: this psalm speaks to those who are heavily engrossed in their work or play (Lk. 10:38-42) Apprehension: this psalm speaks to those who are agitated by life’s troubles and trials (Phil. 4:6-7) Rebellion: this psalm speaks to those who want to resist God’s word and will (Acts 26:14)
Be Still Be still for Bible reading (Psa. 1:2; 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 148) Be still for prayer (Mt. 6:6; Mk. 1:35) Be still for meditation (Gen. 24:63; Psa. 63:6; 77:12; 143:5; 145:5) Be still for personal introspection (Psa. 4:4; 119:59-62)
And Know That I Am God It is hard to “know” God in the noise; be still! We do not know what the outcome is each day, but we know who controls the outcome each day (Psa. 100)