Be Still

In the front of our church there is a statement, "Be still and know that I am God." Have you ever really considered what that means in your life? Is it just something in the background as you sit in church? Do you apply the idea in your day to day life?

I can think of several instances recently that I should have applied this "be still" concept better.

We find this phrase in the Bible in Psalm 46:10. The verse reads "Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." (NLT)

The next verse says "The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress." (NLT)

This psalm was written concerning an invasion. I realize you are not in the middle of a war or invasion, but you do have difficulties in your life that feel like a personal war at times. God's word is calling us to "be still" by focusing on who God is - and knowing with our whole being that He is unchanging no matter what situations we find ourselves in.

The Life Application Study Bible has this footnote concerning Psalm 46:10:

"War and destruction are inevitable, but so is God's final victory. At that time, all will stand quietly before the Lord Almighty. How proper, then, for us to be still now, reverently honoring Him and His power and majesty. Take time each day to be still and exalt (honor) God."

While reading through other commentaries on this scripture, I ran across this quote: "as your world crumbles around you... don't flinch in faith in God. Stand still - not because of self made confidence, not because you are the most composed person in the face of disaster, not because 'you've seen it all.' Be still because of what you know about God. It is God's past that provides calm for our future."

So as you sit in church and read the phrase, "Be still and know that I am God," don't ignore the statement. Instead, make a choice to praise Him in the midst of your difficulty. Remember, God's got your back!

Kristen

Teen Leader

*quote taken from christiancourier.com, Be Still and Know that I am God