Column: Be still and know that He is God

Matt Stollings
·3 min read
1

Things can happen at times we least expect it. Tragedy can strike and our lives can quickly go from normal to abnormal in the blink of an eye. One phone call can change everything.

But here is a wonderful truth. God is always consistent. God remains the same, never changing.

"For I [am] the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed," Malachi 3:6 KJV.

Seasons of life come and go ... but God is constant. God is consistent.

The emphasis in this psalm is on the power, the presence and the peace of the Lord with His people and the difference it makes when we wholly and completely trust Him in all seasons of our lives.

Matt Stollings
Matt Stollings

God’s Power (vv. 1–3)

The word translated “refuge” in verse 1 means “a shelter, a rock of refuge,” while the word in verses 7 and 11 means “a stronghold, a high tower, a fortress.”

This is a place of protection, of safety. A high tower was that which was elevated and the watchmen looked out over the horizon and could see danger coming. A refuge is a place to retreat to for safety.

There is always a foundation that is sure

A fortress is a secured dwelling place, a castle where safety was found in attacks.

The Lord is all of this for us and much more.

When life turns upside down, there is a foundation that is sure. There is protection. There is safety. Both words (refuge and stronghold or high tower) declare God is a dependable refuge for His people when everything around them seems to be falling apart.

"What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?" Romans 8:31 KJV.

God’s Presence (vv. 4–7)

In Psalm 46 what brought peace to the Psalmist during difficult times. Psalm 46:6 says the heathen are raging, the kingdoms were moved, the earth melted but go backwards for a second and why was the Psalmist unmoved?

"God [is] in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, [and that] right early," Psalm 46:5 KJV.

This too ought to keep us calm, grounded and sustain us through uncertain times?

"[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," Hebrews 13:5 KJV.

We have the same promise! God will not leave nor forsake us and nothing is going to separate us from the Lord. The presence of the Lord in our lives helps us in the midst of troubles, challenges and difficulties.

God’s Peace (vv. 8–11)

“Be still” literally means “Relax!” We like to be “hands-on” people and manage our own lives, but God is God, and we are but His servants. There is a time to obey God and act, but until then, we should take our hands off and allow Him to work in His own time and His own way. When the Lord allows us to get into “tight places” our faith will be challenged, will grow, and He will be exalted.

The result will be peace because we can rest in the powerful presence of God.

Be still and know that He is God!

Matt Stollings in pastor at First Baptist Church of Ashland.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Be still and know that He is God - a foundation that is sure