“‘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” (Psalm 46:10-11).
It’s hard for me to be still when all I want is to do something, anything, to fix a problem, to get out of whatever trouble I’m facing, or to help a loved one in distress.
It’s hard not to feel helpless in those times. It’s hard not to feel like I’m just sitting on my hands instead of acting. But in the verses quoted above from Psalm 46, notice that God doesn’t leave his instructions for his people at “be still.” He says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (emphasis mine).
Despite the uncertainty of life, the troubles that my loved ones and I face, the fears that threaten to overwhelm, and the challenges that seem impossible to overcome, the only way I can be still and be at peace is when I sit and focus on who God is and what he promises in his Word.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
God is in control of all things, even when it seems by all outward appearances that he is not. God holds me, my loved ones, and all of his children in his hands. He’s with us, his people, always. He is our fortress through life in this sin-darkened, shadow-filled world of sorrow and woe. He is our light and our salvation. He is our refuge and strength, our comfort and solace in the storm.
Through life, and by Spirit-worked faith, we hold on to God and what he has done for us. We remind ourselves and one another of who he is and what he has done for us as well—because, otherwise, we’re so prone to focusing on our problems, fears, worries, and doubts.
God has done everything to rescue us from sin, death, and the power of the devil.
He sent his Son Jesus to be still and know and trust him perfectly . . . for all the times that we do not. Jesus obeyed his Father’s will . . . for all the times we try to fix problems, get out of trouble, or solve things on our own. For all the times we fail to live as God’s children. For all the times we let fear and worry and doubt consume our thoughts.
Look! Look at what God has done, is doing, and promises that he will do for you in his Word.
Dear Christian, if it’s difficult for you to be still amidst life’s uncertainties and problems, let’s sit at the foot of the cross together. Let’s see what our Savior has done for us there.
Let’s read the promises of our God in his Word, reassured again and again that he forgives us and loves us.
Let’s take comfort in the knowledge that God is with us every step of the way through life on earth until he takes us home to be with him in heaven forever.
Looking for more gospel comfort in your devotional life? Where in the World Is God? is written for anyone facing adversity, discouragement, or fear. These uplifting devotions proclaim God’s Word with power and promise, letting the Bible answer your questions about life with a mix of compassion and candor.
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Alex Brown is the marketing and content copywriter at Northwestern Publishing House. He has his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in God’s creation.
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