Be Still and Know that I am God

Psalm 46:10

Psalm 46 begins “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea.  Though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake at its swelling pride.”

That reminds me of Jesus with His disciples in Mark 4:35-39.  Even though it may be a familiar Scripture, I love to revisit it occasionally to be reminded of the awesome power of our Lord.  Jesus had been teaching the crowds by the sea all day.  When evening came, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side.”  On the way across the sea in a boat, a fierce wind came up.  The waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was filling up.  Jesus was asleep!  The disciples were terrified! They woke Him. “Teacher, don’t you care that we are perishing?”  Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Peace; be still.” The wind died down and it became perfectly calm.

In Psalm 46:10, we get the same message: “Be still.”  That means that when we are in one of our “storms” of life, we are to relax, or cease striving to figure out everything on our own. Those who know the Lord and belong to Him have the assurance that we are never alone.  He is always with us.  And He is sovereign over absolutely everything in our life.

It’s interesting to notice that the boat trip across the sea was Jesus’ idea!  The disciples were in the boat with Jesus at His invitation.  That assures me that just because we are experiencing a storm that threatens to sink us, it doesn’t mean that we have stepped outside of God’s will.  Isaiah 43:2 promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.”

Here is a song that is so encouraging! You can listen to it on YouTube:

Sometimes He Calms the Storm

By Scott Krippayne

All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control

Chorus:

Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered peace be still
He can settle any sea
But it doesn’t mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child

He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we’re shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place

Repeat chorus

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Are you experiencing a threatening “storm” in your life now?  Remember that Jesus is “in the boat” with you.  Write a prayer acknowledging your need for Him to calm the storm. 

Remember past “storms” and the ways that the Lord provided.  Thank Him for His presence which brings peace.

Maybe someone you know needs to hear this message.  Pray for God’s timing to share this message of encouragement with them.