Psalm 46:1-3, 6, 9-11 NIV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The day after 9/11 I wrote a song inspired by Psalm 46. It was called "God is With Us." I was drawn to reading Psalm 46 because of its opening line.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
The images of mountains tumbling into the sea and nations in an uproar could not have been more appropriate to speak to what I was feeling after that terrible attack on our nation. The image of God acting to bring an end to war was consoling.
Often quoted from Psalm 46 is verse 10.
“Be still, and know that I am God."
It's often quoted when we feel like oceans are surging inside of us. When we feel afraid or anxious, the wisdom of the psalm is to be still and know that God is our refuge. God is our help in times of trouble. The verse becomes a mantra of sorts. Knowing that God will be God, no matter what is happening in life, can be a consoling, comforting, and peaceful thought.
Note that what God is saying through "Be still" is that He will bring an end to turmoil and war. His name will be exalted in all the earth. God's will shall prevail.
The will of terrorists and the will of nations will not have the last word. Your will and my will shall not usurp the will of the Lord of the Universe. That is why people of faith, the people who serve God, can take refuge in Him. Their will seeks to do God's will. Therefore they shall not fear.
Be still.
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