Still

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

Psalm 46 was originally a song of praise to God, probably in celebration of the deliverance of Jerusalem and the Temple, God’s place of habitation, from the Assyrian army in 701 BCE. The piece reminds one of a great symphonic work that is filled with drama and power at some points, but moments of gentleness and tranquility at others.

The Psalm calls us not to fear despite images of mountains shaking in the heart of the sea, waters roaring and foaming, and mountains trembling. Recent cataclysmic events in Japan, Chili and other places may come to mind as we consider this. This call for calm and faith in the midst of trouble are powerfully reminiscent of the resilient, faith-filled people of Haiti breaking out into songs of praise to God in the midst of the chaos and destruction following the earthquake there.

In the Psalm, these dramatic images are followed by a pastoral scene with pictures of peace and tranquility in the morning light in God’s Holy city, even though “the nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter” (verse 6). Then in a dramatic conclusion, we are called to quietly consider God’s awesome displays of power in defense of Jerusalem.

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
See what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
He burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Be still in the midst of chaos. Be still and know that God is God. No matter how great your troubles, be still, find your centre, your source of quiet strength and peace. Be still and find your point of balance.

Be still. What an amazing way to start your day.

Posted by Carman