“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
This is a powerful verse in God’s word that deserves all of our attention. How effective are we at following this command? COVID-19 anxiety is certainly testing us these days and with good reason. People are dying, the stock market is tanking, and social distancing is the temporary new normal even keeping churches from meeting together. Many of us now feel the need to be the first to blog, tweet, snap or share the latest on our facebook page, even forwarding emails reflecting the days latest worst case news. We share feelings about each and every thought that pops into our head. It’s understandable to want to share how we feel. But is this a good thing? Earlier in verse 6 of the above Psalm, it says, “Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” This verse emphasizes that while people run around doing their own thing, consumed in the world around them with the world falling apart, the Psalmist says we need to stop and be still. If we would just stop and remember His promises, be still and listen, we have a Fortress who stands with us. Yield to His strength and ponder His ways. Most of us learned back in preschool that God made us with only one mouth, but two ears. If we listen instead of reacting, responding, tweeting, or sharing our thoughts so quickly, we will allow Him to give us different perspective. The first two verses in this Psalm say, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change…” Today, let’s be still and know that He is God especially through these days of anxiety, change and uncertainty. He promises to show us the path ahead with a peace that passes all understanding.
TOM TILLMAN, TEXAS BAPTISTS