November 5, 2018

I AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE:

TO SHOW ME WHO HE IS

Psalms 46: 10. Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Being “still” is one of those concepts that is way easier said than done, especially in today’s culture. We are surrounded by advertisements that encourage us to constantly look and strive for improvements. This gives us a desire to continually set goals for our lives, be it, financial stability, professional advancements or just becoming the best version of you. There is nothing wrong with striving to achieve these goals. The problem stems when we allow these goals to consume our lives. As soon as we wake up, we begin thinking of ideas and tasks we have for the day. At night we cannot sleep because our minds racing with plans and solutions that we have to come up with in order to fix something that went wrong or how to improve something that went right, never taking the time to just be “still.” Trust me; this is an area that I really struggle with, and if you are honest, you probably do too.

Psalms 46 is a very interesting and encouraging chapter. Throughout this chapter it explains the dangers that we face, including natural disasters such as mountains being covered by the sea, floods, earthquakes and even the earth being removed. We also see the dangers from other people including rage, violence and war. Unfortunately, if you have tuned in to any news stations lately, our world is still infected with all these dangers. It is a good thing Psalms 46 does not stop there! The next thing we see is the protection that God provides. These verses continually proclaim God as our refuge and strength. Let me remind you today, that no matter the dangers you have faced, are facing or will face, God is and always will be your strength and refuge.

This leads me to my last point, the task he has given us. This chapter is filled with ways that God will overcome evil and how he will prevail. The only thing he asked is for us to do is, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Wow! He has promised to do so much for us, and the only thing he wants is for us to stop and know who he is. Sadly, how often do we actually do that? Here God (translated as Elohim meaning the Supreme God) is reminding each of us that no matter what we face in our lives, no matter the stress, hardship or burdens, that we cannot overcome this by ourselves. In the midst of our busy lives we need to stop trying to fix everything with our own abilities and remember that the Supreme God is with us, and He will prevail. I am persuaded that God will truly show me who he is when I stop trying to prove to everyone else who I am.

I challenge each of you reading this today to stop everything that you are doing right now and remember God. Think about who He is and what He has done for you. Praise him, for He is worthy of it.

Jacob Young