Be Still

Psalm 46:10 “10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.””

Intro

Whirlwind month

Country music playlist

“I’ve been everywhere” by Johnny Cash

“I’m in a hurry and don’t know why” by Alabama

When we are in a whirlwind, we are often faced with our lack of control.

How do we respond?

We lean into it / contribute to it

We try to control it

We turn to others

Why do we (I) so often turn inward or turn outward during a whirlwind—a crisis— when God wants me to look upward?

Be Still and Know That I Am God

This is a two part command

Be still: come to rest, get quiet

Stop fighting

Stop your striving

Hebrew: release or let go

We are invited to bring our whirlwinds to the Lord

Take our hands off the plough

Stop fighting

Leave it at the feet of Jesus

The second command is “know” that he is God

Know that he is the god who (v9) causes wars to end throughout the earth.

He can end the war in your life.

Know that he is (v11) the Lord of Heaven’s armies who is here among us.

Know that he is (v11) our God and our fortress.

This is more than knowing

In our minds (cognitive knowledge)

In our hearts (discerning knowledge)

This is an invitation to experiential knowledge of almighty God.

I love the second and third sentences of this verse.

I will be honored by every nation

I will be honored throughout the world.

I really love the way The Message Bible puts it:

“Step out of traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

Conclusion

“Well that’s all well and good that you can bring your little whirlwind to God. All you had was a couple of 80 hour works weeks, a cold, and a stomach bug rip through your house. I’ve got real problems.”

“My marriage is falling apart.”

“My loved one is sick.”

“I’ve got crippling debt.”

Psalms 46:1-2 “1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. 2 So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.”

I’ve been in a whirlwind. Maybe you’ve been in an earthquake.

He’s God above the whirlwind.

He’s God above the earthquake.

He’s Lord over all.

Whatever your situation, will you let him take control today?

Will you bring it to the feet of Jesus?

Stop fighting.

Stop striving.

Release it.

Let go.

Be still. He is God. Your fortress.