“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
he Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah. Psalm 46:10-11
The first words of these verses are “Be still, and know”. They translate, “cease striving, stop trying to achieve and be certain that God is God.” The two words beginning verses 8-9, “Come and see” contrast with “Be still and know”. Verses 8-9 help you move closer, nearer to God and verses 10-11 help you stop to rest in him. The first, giving you reasons to trust. The second, peace and confidence. It is certain he can, he did and he will fight for us. He will be exalted in the earth. His character is sure, his purpose is supreme.
Notice the quotations on verse 10. Now the author of this Psalm, seems to be sharing a word from the Lord. It’s like God himself is speaking. God’s saying “stop trying to obtain it all by yourself, don’t fight against me”. Some would even say, “relax, let go”. If it is up to us and our striving we will lose. God is victorious, he will be exalted in the earth. The sovereign all powerful “Lord of hosts” is with you, fighting for you. This is God Almighty’s name, Lord Sabaoth, the host of army angels.
Psalm 46 oscillates between action and calm. Tremble, shake, change and quiet, still, refuge. Between God’s power and presence in troubled waters. Between his peace and security amidst the raging nations. Come and look, cease striving and know. He is God. The God of Jacob, means the God of Israel, all God’s people. God is our fortress, nothing can shake him, he is not susceptible to outside influences or disturbances. When we come near to him, look into his face, stop our own striving and listen, we will be stronger, because he is strong. He is our God; we are his people. Notice the Selah, that is probably an ancient musical term meaning to pause and ponder. Now take time to be with God, be still, listen for his soothing peaceful whispers. This song by Kari Jobe might help.
By Donna Burns
