Stop Striving
Scripture: Psalm 46:10
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
To strive
- to make great and strenuous efforts
- to try very hard
- to exert, struggle, contend, compete or fight vigorously
- to strain, sweat and toil - to accomplish an end or to achieve something
Striving has to do with self-effort for self-glory = leads to dissatisfaction
To thrive
- to flourish and grow vigorously
- to prosper and gain wealth or possessions
- to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances and conflicts
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Mark 8:36; Matthew 6:32-34a; Psalm 46:1-11
5 Important Truths about God
- God is our Refuge, Strength and Help (vv. 1-3)
- God is with us and will help us (vv. 4-7)
- God is powerful and amazing (vv. 8-9)
- God is highly exalted (v.10)
- God can be trusted (v.11)
God’s command: Psa 46:10
2 Things God wants us to do:
1. Be still
- Be weak, strop striving, cease your frantic going to and fro, be silent and rest
- In silence and rest, you will
- Learn that God’s ways are not your ways
- Understand that God is in control
- Know who God is and what He can do
2. Know that He is God
- He is powerful and above all
- He is sovereign
- He is in charge
- He doesn’t need our permission or approval
- He can do whatever He desires
- He will be exalted
Isaiah 26:3-4; 30:15, 18
Be Still My Soul - Kathrina von Schlegel, Jane Borthwick (1855)
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
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Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
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Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
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Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.
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TRUST GOD for your deliverance and miracle.