Be still . . . and know

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10a

Were you able to "be still" yesterday? The era in which we live seems to encourage us to live at a state of high alert -- a fever pitch of activity and anxiety. David was probably feeling the same way when he wrote that Psalm -- his nation was under attack by the Assyrians, and his people needed assurance that God was there for them.
It's good for us to take time each day to be still and reverently honor Him as the God of power, love and mercy.
As part of this week of praise, let's look at some of the characteristics of this awesome God.

The first characteristic that we can praise God for, is that He is our refuge. In the very Psalm that our focus verse comes from, we also read that

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

David was telling himself, his people, and us, that God is full of power. His power can overcome any obstacle, any calamity that may happen in our lives. A refuge is a shelter; it's protection from danger. When we seek refuge in God, we are trusting in Him to keep us safe, and to deliver us from danger and trouble. Are we seeking refuge in Him? Or are we substituting our possessions, our reputation, our abilities? Great is He, and greatly to be praised. He can be trusted to be our refuge.

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:2)

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

Another praise about our God is that He is our Comforter. Our Father constantly reassures us with His mighty power, His presence, and His promises in the Bible. We need to take time to thank God for the fact that He reassures us with rock solid guarantees about our security. 

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure." (Psalm 40:2)

Some people will not admit that they need to be comforted; they will not admit that they need to feel secure. They are fooling themselves, and they are leaving themselves open for distress and depression. We know that God alone is the one Who is able to give us the confidence to move ahead in our lives. He is the One Who can comfort us and give us the security we need, that we are moving within His will for us. It doesn't matter what the circumstances are, or if we are fearful, or if Satan is pestering us, we can be reassured that He is here for us every moment of every day.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

Jesus knew that we would need to be comforted. He spoke these words:

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.

What an awesome God we serve! We can praise Him today for his being a refuge for us, and a Comforter, too. We can face that challenges of our lives with the attitude that Abraham had:

"He staggered not through unbelief but grew strong in faith, being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform." (Rom. 4:20,21)