Modern society has more than its share of social and political upheavals. Psalm 46 offers some significant reflections for leaders in the midst of these upheavals. Verse 10 (or verse 11 depending upon the translation of the Bible being used) extends a direct invitation to us. “Be still and know (confess) that I am God!” Psalm 100 verse 3 reiterates this command. “Know that the Lord is God, our maker to whom we belong, whose people we are, God’s well-tended flock.” As I ponder these verses I also recall that we have been purchased at a great price. (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Is it not wonderful to know that we belong to God? There is great comfort and solace in realizing that our names have been engraved in the palms of God’s hands. (Isaiah 49:16) Is this a gift we too easily take for granted? There are questions I need to seriously pose to myself regarding my ability, or lack thereof, to sit quietly before the Lord. Do I truly seek out solitude and quietness for meditation and prayer? Do I allow God to speak to me in the depths of my heart, or am I frantically doing all of the talking during my prayer? How disciplined am I at simply being still?
It is fascinating to review Psalm 46 in the light of the extreme actions that are detailed. I studied several different translations and the selection of words highlight the dramatic action to a lesser or greater degree depending upon the translation. One rendition says, “…he lifts his voice, the earth melts.” Another version says, “God’s voice thunders and the earth trembles.” The thundering voice of God and the earth melting are some images that can be etched into my mind. What happens when I place those images along-side the invitation, “Be still and know that I am God?” This definitely opens the door to, “Come and see the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 46: 8 or 9)
I want to encourage you to find a place to sit quietly before the Lord. This can be in your room at home, in a church, outside in the beauty of God’s creation, or another place of your choosing. Let the magnitude of God’s love permeate every fiber of your being. Let the agitation of daily cares and worries slip away. Allow the grace of God to move within you. TRUST that you have been wonderfully made and give God thanks and praise! (Psalm 139:14)
Feel free to share any of your profound prayer experiences in the comment section for others to read.
Is it not wonderful to know that we belong to God? There is great comfort and solace in realizing that our names have been engraved in the palms of God’s hands. (Isaiah 49:16) Is this a gift we too easily take for granted? There are questions I need to seriously pose to myself regarding my ability, or lack thereof, to sit quietly before the Lord. Do I truly seek out solitude and quietness for meditation and prayer? Do I allow God to speak to me in the depths of my heart, or am I frantically doing all of the talking during my prayer? How disciplined am I at simply being still?
It is fascinating to review Psalm 46 in the light of the extreme actions that are detailed. I studied several different translations and the selection of words highlight the dramatic action to a lesser or greater degree depending upon the translation. One rendition says, “…he lifts his voice, the earth melts.” Another version says, “God’s voice thunders and the earth trembles.” The thundering voice of God and the earth melting are some images that can be etched into my mind. What happens when I place those images along-side the invitation, “Be still and know that I am God?” This definitely opens the door to, “Come and see the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 46: 8 or 9)
I want to encourage you to find a place to sit quietly before the Lord. This can be in your room at home, in a church, outside in the beauty of God’s creation, or another place of your choosing. Let the magnitude of God’s love permeate every fiber of your being. Let the agitation of daily cares and worries slip away. Allow the grace of God to move within you. TRUST that you have been wonderfully made and give God thanks and praise! (Psalm 139:14)
Feel free to share any of your profound prayer experiences in the comment section for others to read.
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