Be still . . . for in the midst of the storm God is our refuge (Ps. 46:1). So the Psalmist speaks of sink holes and earthquakes, foamy and turbulent waters, and trouble with danger. But he also speaks of God’s actions, how God makes war and destroys the bow, shatters the spear, and burns the shields of his enemies.
Be still . . . in a world filled with white noise. From screaming kids to the TV blaring to the cars honking to the neighbors shouting, we long for quiet. I believe my father’s joy of working in his garage, whether it was on the car or wood working projects, was probably and partly motivated as a means to seek out quiet solitude from a household of five children.
Be still . . . so that when the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee, gale force winds unexpectedly emerged. Sudden storms were common on the sea because the mountains surrounding the lake acted as a funnel for the wind. Even experienced sailors, with no life jackets, feared such storms. So while the disciples were facing the raging storms, Jesus was sleeping on the job. In their fear and panic, they woke their master who faced the storm, saying, “Peace! Be still!” (Mk. 4:35-41).
Be still . . . and in the early morning hours a young mother nurses her baby. While they rock together, comforting the little one in her arms, she whispers her love in the night while praying over her child.
Be still . . . for as Elijah was told to stand in the opening of the cave, God was going to pass him by. When the wind tore through the mountains, God was not in the wind. And when the earth shook beneath his feet as rocks and boulders produced landslides, God was not in the earthquake. And when the fire raged through the valley destroying everything in its path, God was not in the fire. But when a soft gentle whisper was heard, Elijah pulled his cloak over his face (1 King. 19:11-13a).
Be still . . . for when chaos runs wild, a calm presence is needed to ascertain what is happening. The easy response is always a knee-jerk reaction to match the intensity of the event. A vase breaks and it’s matched by a scream from the other room, “What is it?” Or a child falls and the adult gasps, running and screaming to pick up the child, making one wonder if the child needs comforting or the adult?
Be still . . . as Jesus arose early in the morning, while it was still dark, he found a place where he was by himself so he could pray. No interruptions. No responsibilities. No distractions. Just time with him and God.
Be still . . . the messages that bombard us daily are trying to shape our thinking and world view. They incite fear and sometimes lay the groundwork for others to create conspiracy theories. We’re stressed, worried, and believe the worst case scenario will unfold before us. We struggle to find a solace anywhere.
Be still . . . and know that I am God (Ps. 46:10).
Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)