Be still and know that I am God

A new day dawns after the horrific unfolding of events taking place in Manchester, Great Britain on yesterday. As I begin to pray, I look at the bookshelf above my desk and notice a silver-framed plaque with the words “God is in control.” This quotation is a comforting reminder during these stressful, perilous times described as “difficult to deal with.” The quote also brings to mind Psalm 46: 10:

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Here is the entire psalm taken from the Amplified Bible:

Psalm 46

¹GOD IS our Refuge and Strength [mighty and impenetrable to temptation], a very present and well-proved help in trouble.

²Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains be shaken into the midst of the seas,

³Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling and tumult. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

⁴There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.

⁵God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning].

⁶The nations raged, the kingdoms tottered and were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

⁷The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our Fortress and High Tower). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

⁸Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has wrought desolations and wonders in the earth.

⁹He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow into pieces and snaps the spear in two; He burns the chariots in the fire.

¹⁰Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!

¹¹The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

Verse 10 also introduces this poem with the first three words of the psalm as its title:

Be Still and Know

Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

Psalms 46:10

 

Be still and know that I am God, that I am the eternal one.

Though your cherished dreams seem to have faded and gone

The way of all flesh, my divine plans you shall see,

As I weave the tapestry of eternity.

 

Though you seem forsaken, you are never alone,

Even when the burden of dark sin cannot atone,

And the hearts of men have hardened and turned to stone:

Be still and know that I am God.

 

Though storms may overwhelm and friends may abandon

When enemies surface to assault flesh and bone.

Darkness reveals the lights I have called you to be.

My Word strengthens and comforts and helps you to see

I am your refuge and strength, the Almighty One:

Be still and know that I am God.

As we pause and calmly think about that—as we “selah” this Psalm, we also give heed to these words—

Be Still

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still my soul and be at peace.

Rise above your circumstance and rest in Me.

We are encouraged by Steven Curtis Chapman singing “Be Still and Know.”

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Tags: God is in control, Psalm 46, Psalm 46:10