Be Still

 April 18, 2020

Be Still

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.

The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

 

How many of us are troubled by the events which are unfolding before us, each day? My guess is that most of us are troubled. And each of us have different ways in which to deal with our spirits.

 

Really, nothing is new, under the sun. For the earth turns. A baby is born. A tree loses its leaves. A festival of celebration occurs once again. The time of a person’s life comes due. The earth is old, and we are not. But the times, while they are “a’changin” – they remain the same.

 

Be still, and know that I am God.

 

I understand your troubled feelings. Proofs we thought we knew, seem to no longer carry the weight they once did. Traditions which once provided stability, no longer attract and satisfy.

 

Be still, and know that I am God.

 

Also, our troubles feel so because our lives, lived fully and truthfully have shown us that an old way no longer provides a profitable outcome. We did it right, but its relevance has faded before our eyes.

 

Be still, and know that I am God.

 

Sometimes, more often than we allow, the way to serenity in times of trouble is through stillness and faithful reflection- being still.

 

And always, always and without any doubt, the wisdom of the sage is: I am not God.

 

“Be still, and know that I am God.” These are not our words, but those of our caregiver. Listen.

 

Rev. Ken