Be Still

Dear friends,

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10).

This commandment comes after the psalmist has described a time of great trouble. The earth gives way, the mountains are sinking into the seas, waters are swelling up (Ps. 46:2-3). It is like the description of an erupting volcano along a stormy sea. A great disaster is in the works. The psalm also refers to raging nations, falling kingdoms, and wars (Ps. 46:6,9). The words begin to remind us of all the bad news that can be found in the newspaper or on the cable networks. For a few of us the words remind us, in a metaphorical sense, of our personal lives. Stress, uncertainty, and the threat of catastrophe is everywhere.

However, it is amazing how the Lord instructs us to respond to these things. He does not say we should weep, He does not tell us to flee, He does not exhort us to punish ourselves. He says, “Be still.” But this is not an instruction to sit idly by and watch your world fall apart. There is more. The Lord says that we must know that he is God. We are to remember that He still reigns in the midst of the struggle and his purposes are always being advanced in the world. He will be exalted! This includes in your personal life, friend. So be still and trust in your God.

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder