“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10 (NRSVUE)
Have you ever noticed how our state of mind and surroundings affect our observations? For example, as I’m writing this, it’s early morning, and there is no traffic yet on our busy main street and no activity in the house. If the proverbial pin were to drop, its falling would ring loud and clear. Later in the day, it will be a different story. As the normal activity level rises and I shift into multi-tasking mode, I’m less likely to pay close attention to everything happening. But right now, I'm fully receptive in the stillness and peace.
The Psalmist encourages us to be still, slow down, find a place of escape in the rat-race world, and become aware of God’s presence. It is not that God isn’t with us; He resides within our souls through the Holy Spirit. But despite His ever-presence in the busyness of life, we find it challenging to slow down and acknowledge this God-ness within. It’s like going to a restaurant and seeing two people together; one is ready to engage in conversation, while the other is engrossed in their phone.
You will notice that the rest of the verse holds true whether we are still or not. God is still God. He is still exalted among the nations–or, as the King James Version says, “the heathens.” God is still God, even if people do not acknowledge him as such, and He is still exalted over all the earth. Nothing changes; God still proclaims His sovereignty and calls on all people, including those who do not yet recognize Him, to acknowledge His power and divinity.
In our hectic world, it’s all too easy to become the person engrossed in their phone, missing out on the beauty and significance of the moment. But when we embrace stillness and allow ourselves to be fully present, whether it’s morning, noon, or night, we open our hearts to the profound truth of God's enduring presence and sovereignty. We allow ourselves to be refreshed, renewed, and deeply connected to the divine.
As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." In the stillness, we find peace, purpose, and the assurance that God is indeed exalted among the nations and throughout the earth.
As we move through our days, let us remember to make time for those moments of stillness, to step back from the noise and distractions, and to acknowledge God's greatness. For in the stillness, we find peace, purpose, and the assurance that God is indeed exalted among the nations and throughout the earth.
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts in the stillness of this moment. We recognize Your presence in our lives, knowing that You are God. May we find peace in Your sovereignty and comfort in Your unwavering love. Guide us to carry this stillness and awareness with us throughout our days so that we may be refreshed and renewed in Your grace. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Comments