READ: Psalm 46
MEMORY VERSE
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
BACKGROUND
The first photograph of a living person was taken by Louis Daguerre in 1838. The photo depicts a figure on an otherwise empty avenue in Paris in the middle of an afternoon.
But there’s an apparent mystery about it; the street and sidewalks should have been bustling with the traffic of carriages and pedestrians at that time of day, yet none can be seen.
The man wasn’t alone. People and horses were there on the busy Boulevard du Temple, the popular area where the photo was taken. They just didn’t show up in the picture.
The exposure time to process the photograph (known as a Daguerreotype) took seven minutes to capture an image, which had to be motionless during that time.
It appears that the man on the sidewalk was the sole person photographed because he was the only one standing still—he was having his boots shined.
Sometimes stillness accomplishes what motion and effort can’t. God tells His people in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Even when nations are “in uproar” (v. 6) and “the earth” shakes (v. 2), those who quietly trust in Him will discover in Him “an ever-present help in trouble” (v. 1).
The Hebrew verb rendered “be still” can also be translated “cease striving.” When we rest in God instead of relying on our limited efforts, we discover Him to be our unassailable “refuge and strength” (v. 1).
By: James Banks
INSIGHT
According to John Gill’s commentary, the words of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” are not a call to cease activity and be silent and unconcerned.
Instead, they’re words of great comfort. “Be still” is a call to God’s people to “not be fearful, nor fretful and impatient, or restless or tumultuous; but be quiet and easy, resigned to the will of God.”
And “know” means to “own and acknowledge that he is God, a sovereign Being,” who is unchangeable, omnipotent (all-powerful and able to help and deliver), and omniscient (knows them and their troubles).
He knows how and where “to hide them until the storm is over.” We can rest in the assurance that God “works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Charles Spurgeon called this psalm, “The Song of Holy Confidence.” God’s people are secure in Him.
By: Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
How will you “show up” for God by being still before Him today? Where do you need to trust Him more?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
According to John Gill’s commentary, the words of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” are not a call to cease activity and be silent and unconcerned.
Instead, they’re words of great comfort. “Be still” is a call to God’s people to “not be fearful, nor fretful and impatient, or restless or tumultuous; but be quiet and easy, resigned to the will of God.” Today’s Insight
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“Sometimes stillness accomplishes what motion and effort can’t.”
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, please help me to trust in You and to rest in the quiet awareness of Your unfailing love.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“BE STILL MY SOUL” Kari Jobe
Be still, my soul,
The Lord is on thy 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 best thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end
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 wind still know His voice
Who ruled them while He dwelt below
In You I rest, in You I found my hope
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
Be still, my soul
Be still, my soul,
The hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord
When disappointment,
Grief and fear are gone
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored
Be still, my soul,
When change and tears are past
All safe and blessed, we shall meet at last
In You I rest, in You I found my hope
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
Be still, my soul
In You I rest, in You I found my hope
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
Be still, my soul
Be still, my soul
Be still, my soul
READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
Deuteronomy 26-27
Mark 14:27-53
