It’s a powerful statement found in the Bible. It’s a beautiful song we sing as a hymn. It’s an innocent picture that Facebook has lately been saying is “sensitive content.”
Be still and know that I am God.
The words are found near the end of Psalm 46 and though the unlearned and ungodly might try to claim the statement is too sensitive to behold, I would argue it is the opposite. These words are not sensitive; they are hardened, resolved, and confident.
The psalm begins with David expressing that God is a refuge and strength, and is ever-present to help us in time of trouble (v1). Right after that, David says “therefore we will not fear…” Does that sound like a sensitive remark? No it sounds like a person confident in the strength of the God he serves. Even if the earth split open and the mountains fell into the sea, the faithful man of God will not tremble or be afraid. Why? Because God is in control and God watches over His people (v2).
In the midst of earthquakes, floods, and storms, God’s people are not panicked. Why? Because there is a river that flows from Heaven and brings abundance to the city of God. The Tabernacle of God is there, and the Lord dwells therein (v4-5). All around us is war, fear, aggression, and darkness. Those things can make even the stoutest of hearts faint and give up. But God’s people are not broken by such things. God is with us. He is our refuge (v6-7). At His command, armies cease, bows break, spears are split, and chariots are enflamed (v8-9).
In light of that, God’s people have no reason to worry, no reason to fear, no reason to panic, no reason to give up. Instead, we are still. We are quiet. We are confident, not in our own strength, but in the strength of the God who shelters us in the hollow of His hand. We are still, and we know that God is with us (v10) and is our refuge (v11).
Is that sensitive talk? I don’t think so. I think it’s the confident, determined, faith-filled talk of a person who understands blessed assurance.
~Matthew