Be still and know - Bec Bonython
In the midst of turmoil and angst, and as HUGE things happen in our life or workplace which threaten to rock our world. As the world around us feels like it is breaking and groaning… As Psalms 46:2 says “though the earth give way and the mountain fall into the heart of the sea.” V6: “Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall”
….the Lords asks us to be still and know.
This sounds like a crazy request from the Lord. Surely, that’s doesn’t sound right. I need to worry. I HAVE to worry. I need to be anxious. I need to do something, say something, write a letter to my MP, and express my opinions and hurts and fears.
I NEED TO DO…..
Yet Psalm 46 asks us to pivot our thinking away from ourselves and onto God. To look up instead of looking in. Psalm 46 provides 8 things we can do to turn our eyes towards Him.
• Know that God is here (V1)
• God asks to not fear (V2)
• God asks us to trust He is with us (V5)
• God asks us to listen (V6)
• God asks us to come and see what He can do (V8)
• God asks us to be still (V10)
• God asks us to know him (V10)
• God asks us to worship Him (V10)
I want to focus on V10. Be still and know that I am God. This request from the Lord is a powerful one. We quote it a lot. There’s even a song about it. But how good at we at actually doing it?
So let’s break it down to show what God asks us to do when we are going through a rough time.
Be still
This means to stop talking. Switch off your phone. Stop commenting. Listen. Stop arguing. Stop questioning. Stop moaning. Stop creating multiple scenarios. Stop playing it over in your head. Stop saying ‘I should of, could of.’ Quieten your heart and mind.
And know
This means to stop doubting. Be sure. Have faith. Don’t ask for a second opinion (or another person’s opinion until you get the one that agrees with you!). Recognise what God has done. Identify Him. Feel the presence of God. Understand. Believe.
I am God
God is Almighty. God is in control. God is love. God is King. God is my hope, rock and fortress. God is ever-present, a help in times of trouble. God is my strength and peace. God is my Father. God is my shepherd - He will lead me, nourish me, protect me and restore me.
If your heart is heavy today, I encourage you to read Psalm 46 and then take an extended amount of time to still your heart and mind as you hand over your troubles to the Lord. Afterwards, worship Him – thank Him and praise Him, in faith, for what He is about to do. Your circumstance may not change, but your heart and attitude to the issue will.