LISTEN TO THE DEVOTIONAL
A verse that is often quoted when we are battling problems in life is Psalm 46 verse 10: “Be still and know that I am God.” But what is its meaning and how should we apply this verse during the difficult times in our lives? Well, first of all, the phrase “be still” means more than merely to be quiet in God’s presence. Though, I must say that if we would stop talking long enough to listen to what God wants to say to us, we’d no doubt be a lot better off. The phrase “be still” means to cease from frantic activity, to relax, to stop striving.
Some say it’s a rebuke addressed to the nations that were attacking God’s people. Others say that God is rebuking his own people for their lack of trust in Him. Perhaps both interpretations are right. Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll says the verse depicts the Lord as an angry parent breaking up a fight between siblings. While He is angry with those who are making war against His people, He’s equally upset with the violence of His people who have turned to warfare rather than to trust in Him to fight their battles.
In our struggle to win the battles of life, it’s easy to take more responsibility than we should, to try to overcome difficulties that God knows are actually too big for us to solve. God urges us to stop striving and instead fully commit, to trust Him to do what we can’t do for ourselves. After all, Psalm 90 says that before God ever formed the world, from everlasting to everlasting, He is God. He knows that we can’t win life’s battles on our own.
Be still and know that He is God.
