Be Still And Know That I Am God
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. Psalm 46:10
When I read this verse in Psalm 46, I immediately began to sing the song. Maybe you also know it. Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a newer version, but I thought of the original.
The words “Be still and know that I am God” repeated three times comprise the first stanza. When I googled the song, it said, written by Anonymous. But we know it’s author wrote Psalm 46.
The Psalmist delivered these words to the choirmaster with instructions for soprano voices to sing them. He filled the entire Psalm with praises to God, beginning with the following.
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
Be still and know that God is your God no matter what happens in your world. In the Psalms, the word “refuge” describes God as a place of protection from physical and spiritual harm.
When thinking about God’s strength, the word indescribable comes to mind. When times of trouble come, call upon Him because He stands ready to help us.
So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Psalm 46:2-3
When the very earth we consider solid ground crumbles under our feet, be still and know and let God be your refuge and strength. When it happens to us spiritually, know that God is still there.
The next part of this Psalm gives us a glimpse of glory while its author describes the city of God.
A City Under the Protection of His Mighty Hand
A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. Psalm 46:4-5
While God’s glory reigns in His city, we can’t say the same for the rest of the world. Even though the worldly seems to prosper, uncertainty lies under the surface of their lives.
The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! Psalm 46:6
This verse ended the first stanza. Think of the choir of women singing this first stanza in perfect harmony. Then, all together, their soprano voices sang the chorus in a pleasing melody.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:7
Before the chorus, the Psalmist gave vivid descriptions of God. The second stanza, on the other hand, invites us to experience Him. He wants us to come close and take a look.
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. Psalm 46:8
The world speaks of the ungodly, those who have no time for the creator of the universe. In this verse, the Psalmist gives us a picture of the end-time event called the Battle of Armageddon.
The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. Revelation 19:14-15
We Will Be Still to Watch the Lord
Just like the Psalmist wrote, the righteous will follow. They (we) will see Him bring destruction upon the world. Those who know Him can sit still on their horses while they watch Him.
When people speak of a war, they often refer to it as “the war to end all wars.” Only Jesus, though, can end all wars as He will strike down the nations.
He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Psalm 46:9
The Psalmist continued to describe the end times. Revelation 19 continues by saying; He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.
Be still because no matter what happens in our lives, we know God has everything under control. This brings us to our verse for today. Let’s read again.
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10
The word still means we can rest in God’s comfort, no matter the circumstances. So the words “be still and know” call us to pause and reflect. As we look to the end of time, remember this;
On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:16
The writer of Psalm 46 composed a worship song bringing glory to God in a time of war. He never realized his song also pointed to what would happen centuries later.
Be Still and Know The Lord is Among Us
He ended this song by repeating the chorus sung by the melodious sound of a soprano choir. With their lips, they offered the sacrifice of praise to the Lord.
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:11
God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, not only dwells among us, but He also dwells within us. He wants to dwell with you, and He wants you to offer Him the sacrifice of your lips.
- For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5
- Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:15-16
Lord, thank you that we can hold still and know we can call on you anytime. As our refuge and strength, you always stand ready to help us in our times of trouble.
Check out some related posts about the peace of God
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