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Psalm 46:10 - BEING STILL TO KNOW GOD.Psalm 46:10 (KJV) Be still, and know that I am God:Psalm 46:10 (NLT) Be silent, and know that I am God! INTRODUCTION Sometimes we can only recognize God's majesty when we are quiet. Silence is one of the best expressions of respect for God. War and destruction are inevitable, but so is God's final victory. At that time, all will stand quietly before the Lord Almighty. How proper, then, for us to be still now, reverently honoring him and his power and majesty. Take time each day to be still and to exalt God. [Life Application SB] COMMENTARY PEARL Notification from God In 1971, Ray Thomlinson created a program that allowed users to send messages between connected computers. He used the "@" symbol to indicate the destination of each message. By the 1980s, electronic mail became the internet's most practical application. But as soon as "email" had entered into the public lexicon, Neil Papworth sent the first phone text message in December 1992. Within four years, Nokia released the first mobile phone with a QWERTY keyboard, further accelerating communication by text. Yet, despite the speed of communication today, we have less time than our grandparents, who wrote letters, to communicate meaningfully. How can we "be still" in a world of endless notifications? In the Psalms, stillness is often described in reference to water. God "leads [us] beside the still waters" (23:2); He "still[s] the noise of the seas" (65:7); "He calms the storm, so that its waves are still" (107:29). If water represents people (Revelation 17:15) - and "waves ... the tumult of the peoples" (Psalm 65:7) - then being still requires us to turn off every voice except God's. But stillness includes more than just a moment with the Father in a distraction-free space (Matthew 6:6). It involves waiting for Him to answer our prayers in His time. When dealing with tumultuous people, don't impatiently take matters into your own hands, like Abram did when he slept with Hagar (Genesis 16:1-4) or like Jacob did when he stole the birthright (27:1-29). Failing to be still, they couldn't possibly know and exalt God's power. God promises that when we are still before Him and listen to His voice, we will not only know Him, but we will also exalt Him before the world. Heavenly Father, help me to begin each day in my secret place with You - before I check my notifications! [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] COMMENTARY We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, "Be still, and know that I am God."[2 PS. 46:10.] Here alone can true rest be found. And this is the effectual preparation for all labor for God. DA363 An intensity such as never before was seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in moneymaking, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with Him. "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ's loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to their work. These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened. Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit down in companionship with Him--this is our need. ED260 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY Psalm 46:10 - Being Still to Know God. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230303-0717.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220525-0928.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200913-1227.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20160427-2014.html Psalm 27:14 - Waiting On The Lord. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240628-1003.html Matthew 14:23 - Time to Pray. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20191117-1031.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |