Be Still

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

Imagine the very worst storm you can think of. The wind is howling. The ground is shaking. Huge waves are crashing. Mountains are falling into the sea!

Psalm 46 imagines something like that. It was written by a group of singers called the Sons of Korah, who led worship in the temple.

“God is our refuge and strength,” they sang, “a very present help in trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth gives way, and the mountains fall into the middle of the sea, even if the waters roar and foam, and the mountains shake.”

A refuge is a safe place to hide. Like a strong house in a storm, or a cave when it’s raining, or a parent’s arms when you’ve had a bad dream. God is our refuge. When everything around us is shaking, we can run to Him and be safe.

And God isn’t far away when trouble comes. He is “a very present help”. That means He is right there, right now, ready to help.

In the middle of all that noise and shaking, God speaks. And this is what He says:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Be still. Stop rushing around. Stop panicking. Stop trying to fix everything yourself. Just be quiet for a moment, and remember who God is.

He is God. He is in charge. He is bigger than any storm, any trouble, anything that frightens you.

“The Lord of Hosts is with us,” the song ends. “The God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Sometimes the best thing we can do when we’re worried is to stop, be quiet, and remember that God is God. You could try it now. Sit still. Close your eyes. Take a slow breath. And remember: God is here. God is in charge. God is your safe place.

Read it in your Bible: Psalm 46

Dear God, thank you that you are my refuge and strength, and that you are always ready to help me. When I am worried, help me to be still, and to know that you are God. Amen.