Psalm 46

To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah

Reflection

“Be still and know that I am God.” Eight little words tucked neatly into the end of Psalm 46. All the trials and temptations of this life seem all consuming sometimes.

The Psalmist reminds us though, amidst all this, all the noise, all the trials, all the wars and all that shakes us up a bit, amidst it all, there is stillness. A calmness only found when we purposely focus on God.

Recently, I have relied quite often on these eight small words. Life gets hectic. Days are busy, filled with noise and to do lists that seem to never end. Some nights I fall into bed too exhausted to sleep. In that time of trying to rest my body and my mind, I take much comfort in those words. “Be still and know that I am God.” My mantra, until soon I am too sleepy and all I have is two small words, “be still”. Such great and awesome power and comfort in such simple, yet very soothing words. I was once taught through spiritual guidance, to sit with this verse. To truly be still and calm. To know those words deep within and feel them in my soul. I encourage you all as well to sit with this verse. To feel the power and stillness that is found in seeking and listening and knowing God.

–Amy Shuck

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we breathe in Your stillness. We breathe out all the worries, all the noise, all the struggles, and all that takes us further from You. May we feel deep within that true stillness, that peace and calm that comes from You alone. Amen.