“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride…Cease striving and know that I am God…The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold, Selah” (Psalm 46:1-3, 10a, 11).
Have recent events shaken you: Hurricane Sandy’s tumultuous activity that devastated the Eastern Shore, the unanswered questions surrounding the international incident in Libya, the national divisiveness of our own Election 2012? Are you still reeling in the wake? Where will you turn for relief?
I want to spend some weeks searching for that needed place of quiet—space apart from swirling events. Is it possible to keep a margin of peace and calm when life keeps pounding away at the shore of our reserves? How can we regroup and be ready for another day’s challenges?
Psalm 46:10 offers a needed reality check. It’s a command bonded to a foundational truth. In place of “cease striving” other versions say, “Be Still…” Lately I’ve seen this familiar saying misrepresented. Rather than include the entire verse with its bedrock promise, “and know that I am God…” I’ve seen merely, “Be still” (like I could by wishing it so). Or it may say, “Be still and know.” Know what? Know why? How can I know something in the midst of my emotional disquiet, my wrangling and thrashing about at questions without answers? Life on its own terms is alarming. It agitates and creates anxiety.
Thus, I need the whole promise, not just the command and the vague, somehow I’ll know something that will dispel my unease. I need to hear again that I can know, positively, a God who is still in control of the seemingly uncontrollable. I need His Spirit to whisper His ancient truth about Still Life…still.
Song of Stillness:
“Be still, my soul, the Lord is on my side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide. In every change He faithful will remain…
Be still, my soul, thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake. All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below…”
Prayer of Release:
Lord, take my striving, my whirling emotions, and plant Your calm. Be my Refuge, my Help in this time of trouble. My Stronghold and sure Presence, let me know all I can know, though change is constant, You are with me. Lord of all the heavenly hosts, remove this fear; I give it up to You. I have no need of it.
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