Psalm 46:1(NLT) tells us, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” This verse is a tremendous comfort, especially during the times in which we are now living. In this season, it cannot go unnoticed that there are a series of troubling issues hitting the world all at once. As soon as one problem seems to subside a bit, something more egregious happens and unveils another issue perhaps even more troubling. Some people are panicking because of this, but in His Word, God warned His people that times would be perilous. He warns us because He is a very loving God, and because He wants us to be committed to strengthen our relationships with Him through Jesus Christ, even when times are confusing and chaotic.
There are countless records in the bible of individuals who dealt with extremely difficult situations. Some of them tried to take matters into their own hands, and never asked for God’s wisdom and instructions. They acted hastily, and they unwisely did their own thing. Others received God’s directives, heard them clearly, but chose not to follow them. Then, there are those who did not panic but wholeheartedly trusted Heavenly Father. They saw victory repeatedly because they did what God tells us to do in Proverbs 4:13(NLT), “Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.” Every word from the mouth of God promotes light, love, liberty, and life. He tells us the information that is going to preserve us and keep us thriving. When we don’t trust this with our whole heart, we run into serious trouble.
In Psalm 46:10(NLT), God tells us “Be still, and know that I am God.” This is a very simple statement, and it packs a very huge punch. To be still isn’t to rest all day long with our hands folded on our laps. Heavenly Father knows that we have responsibilities, and work and service to others is very important to our fulfillment and sense of accomplishment in life. From the very beginning, Heavenly Father gave Adam management responsibilities, and God can never contradict Himself, because He’s perfect. So, the stillness He’s talking about in Psalm 46:10 isn’t referring to a total lack of motion. It’s the stillness of mind and heart that will keep us in His peace no matter what is happening around us.
Heavenly Father tells us in Philippians 4:6(NLT), “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” The greatest thing that any person can do is pray to God in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. He tells us we should pray about those things that trouble us and adversely impact those around us. This is how we demonstrate that we are trusting God, and this trust builds our relationship with Him.
The Gospels paint an extraordinary picture of the life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There were those that wanted to destroy him because they were against his message of salvation. He never cowered away in fear. His response to the challenges of life was to stay continually in the Father’s face through prayer. He would awaken in the early morning hours to pray. And not only did he talk to God, but he listened for God’s instruction so that he could structure and order his day in line with the Father’s Will. We must do the same.
1Peter 1:7(NLT) encourages us to remain anchored in our faith in God through the Lord Jesus Christ, remembering that our call is to mirror our Lord and Savior. He trusted the Father every step of the way. This verse tells us, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” Faith in God cannot be an afterthought or something we perceive as a flimsy reality. It involves the heart and mind, and the heart and mind determine whose side we’re truly on. Therefore, our faith will be tested by the devil to examine if we genuinely love God or we’re only interested in receiving His goodies. If we’re chiefly interested in what we can gain from God’s blessings, the enemy can accuse of us of not living for Christ.
To be still and know that He is God is to have unwavering confidence in God’s goodness. It is to be in awe of His power, love, peace, and willingness to hold us up with His mighty right hand in times of challenge and trouble. In Mark 4, the disciples were on a boat with our Master Jesus, and a great storm of wind caused the boat to sink. Jesus was sleeping and Mark 4:38(NLT) tells us the disciples woke him, shouting “The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” How many of us have done this in times of trouble? We question God as if He hasn’t taken notice of our issues or as if He will not come to our aid. Every time we call on the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ Jesus, He responds. Jesus Christ spoke to the waves and commanded, “Peace, be still!” The waves obeyed his command. You and I must bring our hearts and minds to the same obedience and reverence as the waves that come with the storms of life. We must be still, quiet ourselves in God’s peace, and know that He is our Almighty God. We must stand in awe of all that He is, and have faith that He will help us in our time of need. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Be Still”, written by JMack, 4theChristianMan.com© 2019. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.