Be Still

Psalms 46:1-10

Psalm 46:1–10 NKJV

1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. 6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Events happening in the world; terrorism (foreign & domestic) (Virginia/North Carolina)

We are a nation that is coming to a climax of division

Could have a second civil war? Could be on brink of WW3?

Many get worked up…even me at times

But then God! As I read this passage He is telling us all “In the Midst of Chaos: Be Still

BUT TO HAVE THE THINGS TALKED ABOUT WE MUST FIRST HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST- GOSPEL/CROSS!!!!

Read all verses but will focus on vs 10 (read/pray)

Notice in these verses God goes through and says

Though earth give way; though mountains fall into sea

Waters roar and mountains quake

Vs 1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble – have no fear

Trans: Then after telling of the chaos that ensues in all this, He tells us…

1. BE STILL

I know that’s the last thing we do (Expound- GOES AGAINST OUR NATURE, WE TEND TO DEFLECT AND DISTRACT OURSELVES INSTEAD)

First to BE STILL doesn’t mean motionless

The Hebrew word is RAPHAH (RA FA) which means to RELAX and LET GO; To CEASE

Other words: don’t get all worked up, quit striving – BE STILL – Cease; let go; Relax

Today’s lingo – CHILL OUT

In the midst of all the CHAOS; whatever that might be

BE STILL

Psa 62:5 “My soul, WAIT SILENTLY for God alone---- SOUL SEAT OF OUR CONSCIOUSNESS, OUR EMOTIONS, OR PERSONALITY, CANNOT QUITE IT ALONE MUST SEEK AND ALLOW HOLY SPIRIT TO DO THIS BUT IT TAKES US MAKING THE EFFORT TO CRY OUT FOR HELP!

Many of our personalities is to WORRY

Look what Jesus says in Matt 6:25-34 (turn there)

Vs 27 (read) saying is “what can you do to change the situation by worrying”

Get unpleasant news – Be Still

Going through tough times – Be Still

Phil 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing BUT in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Trans: He says not only to be still but…

2. KNOW THAT HE IS GOD

We are called to be still but not AVOID OR GET DISTRACTED WHICH IS WHAT WE OFTEN DO.... WE BE STILL BE PLUGGING INTO SOME TECHNOLOGY/EVENT ETC.... DISTRACTIONS!

Why does he say that here? I think it’s because we often forget just how powerful and amazing God is

Look at the preceding verses 1-6, and 8-9

He is reminding us WHO is really in charge and WHO really has great power

Look at Psa 93:3-4

Psalm 93:3–4 NKJV

3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord, The floods have lifted up their voice; The floods lift up their waves. 4 The Lord on high is mightier Than the noise of many waters, Than the mighty waves of the sea.

Psa 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength”

REFUGE means “shelter from the storm; shelter from danger or falsehood”

STRENGTH means “material or physical or personal or social or political”

It has the same connotation as a hen places her wings over her chicks to protect them

“A very present help” means He is right there, right now

No matter what the trouble is

Reminded of Emmanuel – God with us – He is always present

Because He is always there – we will not fear!

Look at vs. 7 (read) he goes on to repeat this again in vs 11

Why? So that we will get it!

No matter the circustances; no matter the news; no matter what is happening in politics

No matter who is in government; no matter who protests?

No Matter come what may?

He is with us and He is our refuge!

Though the mountains fall into the sea; and the waters rage

He is with us and He is our refuge!

Conclusion

In the midst of the Chaos; Be STILL

BE STILL – be silent; don’t worry – won’t do any good

Actually will do harm – don’t worry; don’t fret

Be still – Chill out – relax – Let Go- GIVE IT TO GOD AND GET ALONE WITH GOD AND FOCUS ON HIM!

Know that He is God – There is no one nowhere more powerful

No one loves you more; cares for you more; longs for you more THAN GOD

Though everything falls apart – Know He is God – He is in control

Invitation

What do you need to let go of and be still about today?

What do you need to let go and Let God be God in today?