Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God ...”

So, what does this verse really mean?

I’d never really given it much thought. I always thought it was obvious; there are times in life when we are to be still and “wait upon the Lord”. We are to turn over to God whatever concerns we are currently facing and stop doubting Him. We are not to be anxious but on the contrary we are to be “quiet” like the dawn of the early morning - before anyone is even aware. Perhaps an even more direct interpretation is appropriate, SHUT UP and know that I am God ... PERIOD!

Allow me to digress for a moment. Do you have a favorite song? I mean a song that touches the core of your being and speaks to your heart every time you hear it? What song is it? Think about that specific song for just a moment. What in your life, makes that song transcend others? What memories come to mind? How is it that when you are driving in your car, sitting in a coffee shop or restaurant, shopping or engaged in any other endeavor, and ever-so-faintly in the background the introduction to that song begins, and your heart immediately, in spite of all the distractions, leaps for joy? How have you so personally identified with that song? What is the application you have made with it’s message, to your life? Why is it so personal? Think about it for just a moment. When you have, read on....

Psalm 46:10 was, most likely, featured on Israel’s “Top 100 Greatest Hits!” It is, in fact, a song. It has three distinct verses and a refrain so beautifully interwoven with the song’s message that it no doubt stirred the hearts of all who heard. The song goes something like this:

1st Verse

GOD is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation] a very PRESENT and WELL PROVED help in trouble.

Not a bad way to start a song, is it?

As a result of this proven fact, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas; though it’s waters roar and foam and though the remaining mountains tremble at it’s swelling and tumult...

Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)

2nd Verse

There is a [mighty river] and the individual streams that spring from it refresh and make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High!

GOD is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved! GOD will [already be] helping her right early [at the dawn of the morning; before anyone is even aware]. Although the nations rage [as nations do and forever will] and kingdoms tottered and were moved [as they always will]; GOD uttered His voice and by the power of His voice, the earth melted [all the calamity quieted and became still].

THIS SAME GOD, THE LORD OF ALL THE HOSTS OF THE HEAVENS, IS WITH US! The God of Jacob is [even now] our refuge [our fortress and our high tower].

Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)

3rd Verse

COME! COME behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolation and wonders in the earth [by making] wars to cease to the end of the earth; [it is God] Who breaks the bows into pieces and snaps the spear in two; [it is God] Who burns the chariots in the fire!

... Now comes that verse we’ve been looking at, and here is the translation:

LET BE, AND BE STILL, in order to KNOW - recognize and understand - that I AM GOD! [Regardless of the present outlook] I WILL BE EXALTED AMONG THE NATIONS! I WILL BE EXALTED IN THE EARTH!

And so we reach the close...

THIS SAME GOD, THE LORD OF ALL THE HOSTS OF THE HEAVENS, IS WITH US! The God of Jacob is [even now] our refuge [our fortress and our high tower].

Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)

What a mighty song! What a powerful hope!

So, today, right now, think about THIS specific song for just a moment. What in your life today, makes this song transcend others? What memories of days gone by come to mind? Is it a song who’s message will speak to you when you are driving in your car, sitting in a coffee shop or restaurant, shopping or engaged in any other endeavor? Can your heart immediately, in spite of all the distractions that surround us, the wars, the financial upheavals, uncertainties of life, leap for joy? Have you, have WE, personally identified with the God of THIS song?

There is a powerful call to action within this song, "COME!" That call is still in affect today as we see expressed in the New Testament:

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6

All that the Father gives me will COME to me, and whoever COMES to me I will never cast out. - John 6:37

How can we accept this promise?

I and the Father are one. - John 10:30

Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One; Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people - to be particularly His Own - [people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds]. - Titus 2:13

Being still, amid the torrents of life, in order to know and recognize that God is still in control and forever will be, brings a peace that passes all understanding;

Selah, (pause, and think calmly of that!)

God bless!