Be Still and Know

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God.

Mark 4:39
And He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there as a great calm.

I Kings 19 records an interesting story of the prophet Elijah. In a time of great danger, distress and depression, he longed to die. The people of God had refused to heed Elijah's message to turn back to God, and Queen Jezebel was determined to take his life for the spiritual work he had done. In his worry and fear Elijah hurried to run away, but God caught up with him. The Lord passed by Elijah in a great destructive wind, then in an earthquake, and finally in a fire; however, the Lord did not speak to the prophet in any of these. God spoke through a still small voice. When all was quiet Elijah heard from God. It was then that he could see God's mighty power at work in the world around him. Finally, Elijah could truly see God as God, and he found peace.

In the New Testament the disciples of Jesus found themselves caught in a horrendous storm as they sailed across a familiar sea. So intense was this storm that these well-experienced sailors were full of anxiety and they feared for their lives. They hurried to do all they could to save themselves, but at last they awakened their Master and cried for help. Then Jesus spoke three simple words, "Peace, be still," and the wind and the sea were at rest. As the disciples stood in that miraculous stillness, they knew that Jesus was no ordinary man. Indeed, they saw that He was God and their worries faded away.

Psalm 46 speaks of troubling times-roaring seas, crumbling mountains and raging kingdoms. Yet at the conclusion of the Psalm we hear God speak, "Be still and know that I am God." He tells us that in the worst of times we must stop hurrying and stop worrying. Just be still! And in that stillness see Him as the God He truly is.

Almighty God, in this busy chaotic world, help me slow down long enough to see Your greatness and hear Your voice. Let me know that You are God.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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Related articles and devotionals:
Under His Wings
Leaning On Jesus
The God Who Sees
Ask and You Shall Receive

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