Pr Joshua Yong

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

This world is troublesome. Not only do we see wars, climate issues and the instability of the economy, we know the condition of sin is getting from bad to worse. The world is sin-filled and immoral. Look at the devices and inventions of sin. We live in a digital world, and we see how the internet, social media and even our mobile devices have become tools and platforms for sin and crimes. Have these things not produced restlessness and anxiousness?

In Psalm 46, the psalmist describes how the heathens rage (Psalm 46:6). They are “roaring” and making a “tumultuous noise” as they rage in anger and restlessness. They are raging especially against God’s people. A restless and angry world will oppress God’s people and may cause God’s children to live in worry and doubt. 

How can Christians living in such a sinful and restless world be still?

1)   The Stillness of Heart

The Lord gives His children a command – “Be still, and know that I am God.” The phrase “be still” here means “to cease” or “to stay.” It describes the ceasing from fear and anxiousness; it describes the respite and restfulness that one has when one remains in the presence of God. To “be still” does not mean that we do nothing; it means we should quieten our hearts so that we can focus on God.

The Lord commands and calls upon those who are fluttering or trembling because of their fears and worries to cease their trembling and stop allowing fearful and worrying thoughts to occupy their minds. In place of that, God calls upon us to know that the LORD is God. Even amidst the heathen that rages, God calls upon us to recognise and know Him. We know God, but how often when the burdens of life and the enemies of Christ surround us do our minds wander and dwell upon these fears, and it causes us great distress. This is when we allow our fears or the people we fear to become so real, that we forget we have an almighty God who is with us.

It is mainly during such times when we must be still and know that the LORD is God. This stillness does not come from ourselves, neither does it come from men. This stillness is not cultivated by listening to some motivational speech or some new-age music. When we are restless and anxious, we must shift our thoughts to God, whereby we think upon how great our God is and the great things He has done.

2)   The Soundness of Mind

The Lord commands us to “know” that He is God. To know God is to learn of Him and to recognise Him. Furthermore, it is not a knowing from a distance but knowing personally. Knowing God includes communion with Him. God has revealed Himself to us in such a clear and wonderful way in His Word. We know God through His Word and the sweet communion we share with Him. Do you see what God has revealed to us about Himself?

In Psalm 46:1, the Bible tells us that God is our “refuge and strength.” This means that God is our shelter and our might. Even when surrounded and overwhelmed, God remains our protector and defender. Even when we feel weak and vulnerable, God is our strength – He sustains and delivers us. 

God is “the LORD of hosts” (Psalm 46:6, 11). Contemplate how God commands the heavenly hosts. He is infinitely more powerful and mighty than any king, ruler or army. He is the “God of Jacob” (Psalm 46:7, 11). This speaks of God as the gracious and merciful God. Addressing “Israel” as “Jacob” reminds us of Israel’s humble beginning. Jacob was a usurper and was undeserving of God’s grace. Yet, God chose Jacob and made Jacob the object of His love. The Bible declares how God is present with us, and His help is near (Psalm 46:1, 5, 11). God is not far away or distant, but He is in the midst of His people. 

Do you know all these? Do you know that He is our shelter and strength, that He is powerful and mighty, that He loves and cares for us and that He is with us? When we know that the LORD whom we serve and worship today is the same almighty and powerful God, and when we walk closely with Him, we will be able to have the right view of the troubles we face.

3)   The Submission of Spirit

We can quieten our hearts because the LORD declares – “I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in all the earth.”

To be “exalted” literally means to “rise” or to be “high above”. It describes a position of greatness, glory and supreme authority. Our view of God must be one where we recognise that God is very great and one who rules and reigns above. Our God is sovereign. When we exalt our God, it is more than praising Him for His greatness and goodness; when we exalt our God, we are recognising and submitting ourselves to His majesty and His sovereignty. There is a quietness that comes with knowing that our God rules high above all.

We, at times, unknowingly “exalt” the heathen when we react and behave as if they are greater and more powerful than our God. When troubles oppress us and foes persecute us, do we behave as if no one can save or help us? When we hear of troubles in the world, are we shaken and frightened as if no one is in control? We cannot react in this manner if we know that our God is the exalted one.

Conclusion

When we feel troubled and overwhelmed, let us learn to be still, and know that the LORD is God. We must quieten our hearts, shift our thoughts to God, and submit ourselves to Him. We must not fear when we have our great God with us.

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

                            -   Catharina von Schlegel