Scripture

“Be still, and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Reflections

This is probably one of the most misunderstood verses of the Bible.  People focus on the words “Be still, and know that I am God” and think that it has to do with meditation.  Meditation is a good thing, rooted in the scriptures.  But if you read the wider context of Ps. 46:10, it has nothing to do with meditation.  It’s about warfare.  “He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.” (Ps. 46:9)

In our world, we live with constant warfare.  If not in our own country, we certainly hear about other countries at war in the news.  Innocent people die.  The suffering and injustice are incalculable.  Our God is not a God who delights in warfare.  Our God is a God of peace.  At the same time, as final judge of all, He will be the One who will bring an end to all warfare.

An alternative translation for “be still” might be “stop your warring”.  The same God who says “be still” in Psalm 46 is the One who came to us through Jesus.  He spoke to the wind and the waves and said, “Be still!”  The wind and the waves immediately calmed.  The same will be true of our Lord God when he comes again.  He will call out “Be still!” and all conflict and strife will come to an end.  At that time, He will be exalted among the nations.  He will be exalted in all the earth.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being a God of peace.  I pray for all those who are suffering because of war.  I pray for peace.  Come and make things right!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Psalm 46