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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah…“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah” (Psalm 46:1-4; 10-11).
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God” – has comforted many a Christ-follower. And rightly so – it stands as a reminder that in the stiff winds of strife, suffering, and sorrow there is a sovereign God who still rules and reigns. And One who cares for and guides His chosen for His glory and their eternal good. Because of the power inherent in this command, we often forget the quote above is but the first half of this verse. It is also sometimes lost on us what the overarching theme and message of this song is. So what is the context here? What does this sentence infer? And, maybe most importantly, what does the phrase “Be still,” which has been the subject of much debate, actually mean? All of this, I believe, has a very practical application for us and does a great deal to help us to more fully know the God who is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Working from the back of Psalm 46 to the front, let’s take the last question first. According to Hebrew scholars (trust me, I’m not one of them) the term translated “Be still” (raphah) is interpreted in various ways. Literally, it could be translated “to be weak, to let go, or to release.” It also suggests to cease, desist, or surrender (hence the HCSB translates this verse as “Stop [your fighting]”). In order that you are encouraged to read on, that you know this isn’t just some academic discourse, this makes a huge difference.
This verse is telling us the posture necessary to know God (which should be our greatest goal) is one of weakness, dependence, and capitulation. Don’t miss the point: this verse is not just saying that we are to find a solitary place, get quiet, and ponder God. It is telling us that humbling ourselves before Him is the means to knowing Him, being gripped by His greatness, and finding strength based on His activity, comfort, and providence in our trials. This humility represents a spiritual disposition that ought to characterize those to whom God’s unfailing promises have been given. For a New Testament point of reference, read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount description of those who are the blessed dwellers in His kingdom (Matthew 5:3-6).
It is this kind of broken posture that leads us to better understand the nature of a God we can know, one who is described in the last half of verse 10 as “[the] God [who] will be exalted among the nations, [who] will be exalted in the earth!” This dictate - “be still” – forces us to think on two critical points: we are finite, and God is infinite. In other words, He is God and we aren’t! That being the case, we need to assume an attitude of weakness, dependence, and surrender so that we can “come, behold the works of Jehovah” (v. 8). Know that He is God, the psalmist cries! Know this practically, spiritually, and emotionally; not just intellectually. Our God is the ruler of the kingdoms of this earth and the all-powerful Creator of the universe. He has not lost control.
This leads us to the greater context of “Be still and know that I am God.” We see the works and witness of this great God is the 9 verses that precede our focal text. God has revealed the manifestations of His character, His acts of might and mercy, so that we might know Him and that we may enjoy a quiet confidence in Him who gave us his Son. Spiritual serenity, the psalmist indicates, ought to be cultivated in midst of the difficulties we face in this life. This inner calm that the writer professes does not come from a lack of troubles; instead it is nurtured in steady, deep reflection on the ways God has intervened in history on behalf of his people (see Romans 15:4). It is God’s work in the past that provides assurance in our present and our future. So, when our world seemingly crumbles around us, the call from Scripture is to not flinch, but to have faith in this great God of ours. Stand still, He decrees. Not because of a self-made confidence, not because we can cope or deal with life’s uncertainties, not because we have a plan. Instead, be strong and calm because of what we know about our God.
Now we see a certain progression as we work from the back to the front of this comforting passage. Brokenness leads to a greater knowledge of our incomprehensibly mighty God. Our faith in God is confirmed (and affirmed) as we recall His history of great works on behalf of His chosen children, including us. This means, no matter our situation or circumstances, as one of His beloved, we can be at rest and experience the tranquility that comes only from knowing that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Therefore, we will not fear even though the world around us convulses and we struggle under the heavy weight of our troubles. For “[He is] God. [He] will be exalted among the nations, [He] will be exalted in the earth!” And we can never be separated from His loving care. So in humility and faith-filled dependence, let’s “be still, and know that He is [our] God…The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
*Section 2 – Kingdom Conduct
Twenty-one – Trusting our King
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?” (Mathew 6:25-31).
In opening verse 25 with the word “therefore,” Jesus points listeners back to the preceding section of His sermon. This indicates an important truth: as believers reject the pursuit of earthly treasure and learn to trust in Him for physical needs, they position themselves to live free from worry.
Those in Christ’s original audience did not enjoy the benefits of 401K plans, health care packages, and paid vacations. While the very wealthy among them might have stored grain or hoarded coins, many had to wonder whether or not they would secure daily food or drink. Without the social and government entitlement programs to which we are accustomed, they knew charity as their only safeguard. Christ and His contemporaries often learned to live day-to-day (see Matthew 8:20). In contrast, the typical American believer has an abundance of financial resources and securities, and most live in comparative luxury and comfort. With such blessing, should we not be more aware of God as our ultimate Provider and enjoy an even greater trust in Him than the early Christians?
In a touching analogy that probably directed eyes to the birds and flowers native to Christ’s open-air sanctuary, Jesus explains that He cares for nature. Throughout His ministry, Jesus proves cognizant and empathic towards His children’s struggle over the necessities. Food, clothing, and shelter represent real needs. As Christ points out God’s care for creation in general, He helps people understand His care for His chosen people. While plants and birds neither enjoy relationship with Him nor share the wisdom afforded to humans, God provides for them. The condensed message of Matthew 6:25-31? “Do not worry, for I am a loving, good, and capable Father who provides for you. If I look after lesser creatures, surely I will take care of you!”
When we surrender to Christ as our great King, we need not worry at all. Cares and concerns typify the state of fallen humanity, but we serve an omnipotent God who desires us to live free from the tendency. In truth, worry proves incompatible with faithful kingdom living. Paralyzing worry requires one of three ingredients: too much self-focus, too little faith, or a denial of Christ’s role as King and provider. Should worry plague a believer, he or she should immediately ask: Has my vision of God grown so small that I do not perceive Him as loving or good or capable? Kingdom living requires that we see Him as all of that and more!
Several years ago I faced a potential downsizing at work, and I melted into an emotional wreck. My dear mother prayed endlessly that the worry and stress of my job would lift. God answered her prayer: I was laid off! My worry only intensified. Always anxious over the financial ramifications of unemployment, I often failed to trust God. Despite my faithless fretting, God providentially (and miraculously) provided me with a better opportunity within the space of days. I have remained in that position over a decade. God used the whole situation to confirm in me that all things rest in His capable hands. My anxiety was a self-defeating lack of confidence in my Lord.
We must remember that the great provider concerns Himself with our emotional needs as well as the basics. Although He commands us to not worry, He knows that life brings trials, tribulations, and troubles to even His most steadfast followers. “Come to me,” Christ encourages all who are weary and burdened by life, “I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). No one walks alone who puts his trust in God.
Christ never says, “I will solve all of your problems.” While providing for our necessities and easing the burden on our hearts, He does not remove us from all of life’s challenges. The Lord acts as a perfect parent: His judgments are always fair, His intervention always timely, and His approach never overbearing. In every case, believers can confidently “Cast all [their] anxiety on him because he cares for [them]” (1 Peter 5:7). God stands not as the panacea for all of this life’s physical, emotional, and financial ills; instead, He knows and cares for us in the way He sees fit. He always chooses the best approach. In every case, the Lord meets our needs in a way that honors and glorifies Him and His kingdom. We must demonstrate faith in Him, trusting that He will always provide for us what He deems best. As we do, the worry tendency diminishes.
In a practical application, worry makes little sense; it changes nothing. Philippians 4:6-8 states:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:6-8).
I’ve always loved the advice Paul shares in this passage. Truly, focusing on the goodness of God leads to peace and lessens anxiety. As we keep our eyes on Him, we remember that God alone stands as our beneficent provider in all things. We can’t avoid stressful situations, but we can trust in the Lord to see us through them.
Apply It.
Throughout the Old Testament God often reminded the Israelites of His many provisions for them. Use a concordance or Bible search tool to find an example.
When and where has God intervened and provided for you (see Psalm 103:2)? Ask God to remind you of His past provisions so that your faith and reliance on Him will grow.
*This is an excerpt from Captivated by the King and His Kingdom: A Personal Encounter with the Sermon on the Mount published by Crossbooks in 2010. The links for this book are:
Amazon in book form – http://www.amazon.com/Captivated-King-His-Kingdom-Encounter/dp/1615073418/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1302820767&sr=8-1
Amazon Kindle – http://www.amazon.com/Captivated-King-His-Kingdom-ebook/dp/B004KAA9UC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1302820767&sr=8-2
Barnes and Noble in book form – http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Captivated-by-the-King-and-His-Kingdom/Linden-C-Wolfe/e/9781615073412/?itm=3&USRI=captivated+by+the+king
Other eReader formats – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/33572
If you follow along with this category (albeit backwards) by the same name as the book, eventually, Lord willing, we will have walked through the Sermon on the Mount verse by verse in a devotional commentary approach. I pray that this series impacts you as much as it did me as I studied this passage and wrote this book. Grace to you!
“But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:5-8).
This year I turn 50 (God willing) and will be eligible to become a member of AARP. Please don’t start some morbid celebration because I’m quite sure I won’t join – it seems hypocritical to be a member and not retired and I am not emotionally ready to cope with such a label as “retired” (or even being called a 50 year old – my gracious, that’s half a century). Nevertheless that number – “the big 5 0” – is enough to cause me to pause and ponder the brevity of life and the probability that I’m on the downward side of my stay on this planet. I have no deluded fantasies about riding off into the sunset. That may be because I really can’t ride a horse without expecting injury and major surgery. It also may be that I still believe that I have a legacy to improve upon. Paul finished strong and I want to as well.
Paul’s encouragement, in his last days, to young Timothy tells me several things that we need to do to be confident that our departure is one of peaceful resignation of a job well done. This reminds me of Jesus’ words, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21, 23). Oh, how I long to hear those words and enter into His happiness. Can we think of anything greater than that? But that requires faithfulness. Paul says to Timothy, “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (verse 5). This means clear, biblical thinking, enduring the trials and challenges of serving Christ, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus, and being fully committed and devoted to what God has called you to do. Paul rejoices (v. 7) that he has “kept the faith”.
Finishing strong for Jesus also means self-denying sacrifice. Paul’s life was ‘poured out” (v. 6), spent completely for the cause of Christ. In other words, he was all used up for the glory of God. There was nothing left in the tank that had not already been consumed in Paul’s obsession with serving his Savior. Paul chose to burn out rather than rust out because his Lord was worth the expenditure of Paul’s’ life itself. Leaving a legacy for our Lord includes fighting the good fight until the end (v. 7). Paul was in a war for his King. It was a war that required endurance until the end no matter the pain or consequences. Soldiers do not quit but press on despite the danger and the obstacles knowing that their great leader will captain them to ultimate and eternal victory (1 John 5:4, I Corinthians 15:57). As Paul nears his departure from this earth he knows that He will be rewarded “on that day”.
Paul’s motive is unquestionable. It was his love for His Lord and desire to be in His presence. He “longed” for Jesus’ appearing. He was compelled to leave a legacy that demonstrated and magnified the One he both lived for and died to gain (“for me to live is Christ and to die is gain – Philippians 1:21). Paul yearned for the presence of his Savior. And a crown awaits all those with the same passion.
But for me to have this type of confidence as I near my departure and enter into my Jesus’ presence I must be obsessed with “seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). That was the way Paul was and that was his legacy – faithful to His Jesus, sacrificial in his living, used up for the cause of Christ, and enduring as a warrior until he drew his last breath. Is that my legacy? Is it yours? Will we be able to greet our Savior with such a disposition and resume? In order for me to do so I must finish strong. As I said, I have a legacy to improve upon. I beg that God’s Holy Spirit moves in me in such a profound way that I can complete my race with the same confident attitude as Paul. I pray for the surrender that will allow His power to enable me to finish strong! No matter your age, will you come along with me? For the sake of our Lord and our legacy, will you?
