Psalm 46:9: Be Still

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:9-10

We often quote part of this verse when talking about the turmoil and business of our inner lives-reminding ourselves to stop and take time for God. But really, these words revolve around the squabbling of nations who have neglected or ignored God. "Nations are in an uproar; kingdoms fall" (vs. 6)

So the nations fight over who will be in control; who will control the resources; who will control their destiny. They kill and maim and destroy, assuming that the very things that they long for-peace, prosperity and security-are really under their control. So they really have no place for God any more.

But God will not be ignored. "I will be exalted among the nations." (vs. 10) He breaks the bow, spear and shield and quiets the chaos of the nations. Every tool and instrument that they would use to exert control is made impotent. Even the earth on which they war melts (vs. 6b) at his voice.

Why? The answer is actually found earlier in the Psalm. Everything that the nations fight over is available from God already. Security? "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way." (vs. 2a) Prosperity and happiness? "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God" (vs. 4a)

The very things the we fight for are available with God, who, after watching our struggle, finally intercedes and says enough-is-enough "Be still!" Four times in the Psalm, the author refers to God's presence as the source of peace for our lives (vss. 1, 4, 5, 11).

Perhaps we need the same lesson as the nations. Perhaps much of our struggle in life is an attempt to control and acquire those things which are available freely from the hand of God.

SDG.

By the way, the album Coram Deo contains a beautiful song, "There Is A River" which is a beautiful meditation on the beginning of this chapter.

These people fought to gain supremacy. They fought to gain control The nations did not recognize God. Instead, they fought among themselves for supremacy. But the good things that they lon

In this case, the; whose peace has been shattered because they have neglected God "But these words were not directed at peace of mind but world peace. Where is God? Taken apart from its context, this has been used to scold us about our busy lives which neglect God. But this is really not just about peace in an individual's inner life, but restoration of peace to a world in turmoil. Let me quote just a few more verses: