Psalm 46

Psalm 46

 

v10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

 

Why does the psalmist tell the reader that God is God? I believe because when in doubt and in turmoil, we as humans tend to forget that God is God. We think we are god and that’s why we blame ourselves for ‘losing control’ when things don’t work in our favour, hence, the unnecessary worrying and frustration. I’m not saying don’t worry but we have to see things from His perspective.

 

It’s interesting that in verse 2, the author uses ‘earth’ and ‘mountains’, two symbols of stability.

 

…..Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; …..

 

We all have something that we perceive to be our ‘earth’ and ‘mountains’. It could be our position/status, acceptance by the people around us, the ability to be wanted, our parents, our ability to do well in exams and such. When they are ‘removed’ or ‘carried into the midst of the sea’, what happens to us?

 

It’s interesting to note that the author uses negative words in the following verses: v3 mountains shake, v6 nations raged, kingdoms were moved, earth melted, v8 desolations in the earth, v9 wars cease to the end of the earth;..breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; . .  burns the chariots in the fire.

 

And suddenly,

 

‘v11 Be still . . …

 

Psalms was written in a poetic way, like a song.

You can feel the buildup leading to verse 11 and suddenly,

 

‘Be still…..

 

And it ends with a ‘!’

 

He is exalted indeed.

 

When all seems lost and you do not know what is going around or what is happening,

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

It’s all about Him, all for His glory.

 Psalm 46

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth.

 1 God is our refuge and strength,

         A very present help in trouble.

 2 Therefore we will not fear,

         Even though the earth be removed, 

         And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,

         Though the mountains shake with its swelling.  Selah  

         

 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,

         The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;

         God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;

         He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 

         

 7 The LORD of hosts is with us;

         The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah  

         

 8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,

         Who has made desolations in the earth.

 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

         He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; 

         He burns the chariot in the fire. 

         

 10 Be still, and know that I am God;

         I will be exalted among the nations, 

         I will be exalted in the earth! 

         

 11 The LORD of hosts is with us;

         The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah