Be Still and Know

Introduction

The last Sunday we were all gathered together we looked into a passage of scripture in the book of Isaiah (chapters 36-37/also ) and examined what was to be a Christian’s response when crisis comes.

Over the last week and a half the crisis has only worsened with stay at home orders being issued across the U.S. including here in New Mexico. We have also just this week experienced the first confirmed case of the Coronavirus here in Clovis.

We talked about how Hezekiah responded in faith not in fear, we looked at his decision to pray and not panic, and we ultimately saw how Hezekiah’s desire was that God be glorified and how God used the crisis to bring glory to His name.

Tonight we are going to look at a passage of scripture that many commentators believe was written around the same time period. Some have even suggested that Hezekiah may be the writer.

One thing we can know for certain, and that is the writer of this Psalm knew what it was to find refuge and strength in God. This is what I hope to encourage you to do this evening.

In the midst of any crisis or trial God is our source of:

Security (Vs. 1, 7, 11)

God is described in this beautiful Psalm first as our refuge.

A refuge is a place of safety that is free from danger. We may find refuge in our homes, in our bedroom, in a secure location isolated from everyone else, ultimately for the believer, God is our refuge.

It does not matter where we are, we can find refuge in HIM! It does not matter what is going on around us, yet in HIM there is refuge to be found!

- name of the Lord is a strong tower...

In verses 7 and 11 the literal meaning of the word refuge is a place that is out of reach of the enemy, a high tower or stronghold.

This is what God desires to be for you and I, a shelter of safety and security where we are beyond the reach of fear and anxiety!

No matter the storm that rages around us God is our refuge and we can trust in Him.

God may choose to deliver us from the storm our He may choose to go with us into the midst of the storm but either way there is refuge in Him!

Safe Rooms- when you are fearful or anxious, a place to run to and know that you are safe.

Strength (Vs. 1)

In the midst of a crisis our natural strength tends to fail yet we can find a supernatural strength in God.

There are often times when we feel weak as though we cannot go on but in God there is strength to face the crisis at hand.

When our strength begins to fail we must look to God and trust Him for strength to carry on!

We must learn to lean upon God in times of difficulty and hardship as did the apostle Paul.

- strength made perfect in weakness

The best thing that could happen to each of us in the midst of any crisis or trial is to recognize our weakness so that we learn to depend upon His strength!

God’s strength is inexhaustible and will never fail us. We can rely upon Him to give us the strength to finish our course as the apostle Paul did!

Supply (Vs. 1, 4-5)

The end of verse 1 speaks of God as our “very present help in trouble”

Whatever our need in the midst of the crisis or trial that we are facing God is willing and presently able to supply it.

If we need courage He can supply it. If we need peace He can supply it. If we need comfort, God will supply it.

There is no need that you or I will ever have that is beyond His power to supply! We need not trust in government for our God is more than able to supply our every need!

Verse 4 and 5 speak illustrate God’s hand of provision. There is no power that can conquer the people of God as long as our trust is in Him! When the enemies of our faith attack, we can be sure that God will supply all that is necessary for their ultimate defeat.

We need not fear that we will be forced to go without the basic necessities of life for we have the assurance of the Word of God that He will supply our needs.

- God knows our needs and has promised His provision

Conclusion

In light of all of these things what can we do in the midst of this crisis. I submit to you that the best thing that we can do is simply to “Be still, and know that [He is] God”

We do not need to rush around in a flurry of panic and anxiety.

We do not need to sit at home and allow our minds to be overwhelmed with uncertainty and worry.

We do not need to be consumed with fear and dread at the thought of what new development tomorrow may bring.

Instead we need to follow the Psalmists instructions under the inspiration of the Spirit of God and “be still and know that [he is] God”

“Be still”literally means to hang limp to cease from straining and self effort.

The best thing we can do is to “let go” and “let God” work.

It may be that in the midst of this crisis God’s desire is to reveal Himself to His people and to increase our faith and our reliance upon Him!