BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!

BE STILL, AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!

Finding Comfort and Strength in God During Difficult Times

Life is filled with many ups and downs. We all experience moments of joy, success, and happiness, but we also have to face difficult and uncertain times. These challenging times can come in many forms – be it personal struggles, a global crisis, or any unexpected event that turns our world upside down.

Born in the Nineteen fourties, I am a child of the Cold War. 

Offutt Air Force Base is a U.S. Air Force base south of Omaha, Nebraska. That is 141 miles from my hometown in Iowa. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Strategic Command. As such it was surely a target of potential nuclear attack. Though we were outside the immediate kill zone of a nuclear bomb, the prevailing West to East winds would have carried radioactive debris and dust our way.

In school we conducted duck and cover drills. The drills were intended to protect us from a potential nuclear attack. Students were taught to hide under our desks or against a wall. We were told to crouch with our knees near our chests and to cover our heads with our arms. 

During those days, when tensions were high, the US government actively supported and advocated for the building of fallout shelters, both publicly and privately, in order to safeguard citizens from potential nuclear attacks.

Though my childhood was filled with the everyday joys such as riding my bicycle, climbing trees, fishing, running and jumping, and playing with my friends, much of my childhood also had an ever present fear of the bomb lurking in the background. It was as if the entire nation was covered by a form of PTSD PRE-traumatic stress disorder.

That was my generation. However every generation has it's own fear filled background that in some way haunts them and colors their lives with dread.

In such moments, it's natural for us to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even lost. We may feel like we have nowhere to turn to for comfort and strength. Some of us may depend on our own skills and assets to get through these tough times. I was raised with the idea of self reliance whereby the less I relied others the stronger, the better, I would become.

Since becoming a Christian it has been hard to “Let go and let God.” The Frog Sunday school class motto of Fully Relying On God is not easy for some of us to live up to.

However as a Christian, I have increasingly found myself turning to God for comfort and strength during difficult times. The words of Psalm 46 provide a powerful reminder that God is our safe haven and source of strength in times of distress. These verses reinforce the unwavering belief and confidence we can have in God, no matter what chaos or uncertainty surrounds us.

The Psalm begins with the declaration, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). This verse alone is a source of great comfort for me. It reminds me that no matter what challenges I may face, God is always there for me. In this mortal world where things can change in an instant, knowing that I have a stable and unwavering source of support brings me immense peace.

The Psalm goes on to say, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:2). This verse serves as a reminder that even when everything around us seems to be falling apart, we do not need to fear because God is with us. He is our rock and our firm foundation, and nothing can shake us when we put our trust in Him.

As humans, we often tend to rely on our own abilities and strength during difficult times. We may try to control the situation or find solutions on our own. However, as the Psalmist says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10). These words remind us to be still and have faith that God is in control. He is all-powerful and will be exalted no matter what happens. This verse encourages us to release our worries and trust in God's plan for us.

In addition to finding comfort and strength in God's promises, I have also found peace in turning to Him through prayer and reading His Word. In times of distress, I often pray for guidance, strength, and peace. I also turn to the Bible for comfort and assurance. Reading verses like Psalm 46 reaffirms my belief that God is always with me, even during the most difficult times.

Moreover, Psalm 46 speaks of a future where "nations are in uproar" and "kingdoms fall" (Psalm 46:6). As I said earlier every generation has it's own fear. So while the psalmist's words may seem daunting, they also serve as a reminder that God is ultimately in control. No matter how chaotic the world may seem, His plans will prevail.

As followers of Christ, we are not promised a life without trials and challenges. In fact, Jesus Himself said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Therefore, we can find hope and strength in knowing that we have a God who has already overcome the world. Through His Spirit He is always with us, ready to guide us and give us the strength we need to face any situation.

The psalmist continues by saying, "Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult." These words paint a vivid picture of chaos and destruction. The earth is changing, the mountains are shaking, and the waters are roaring. But even in the midst of this turmoil, the psalmist declares that there is no need to fear because God is with us.

This Psalm serves as a reminder to stop and consider the truth of these words. We may face difficult situations that seem insurmountable, but we must remember that God is greater than any challenge we may face. We can find comfort and strength in knowing that He is in control.

The psalm goes on to describe a river whose streams make glad the city of God. This river represents God's presence and His constant provision for His people. It is a source of joy and refreshment, even in the midst of chaos. This imagery reminds us that in the midst of troubled times, we can find peace and joy in God's presence.

Verse 5 declares, "God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns." This verse speaks of God's unwavering presence and protection. Just as a city built on a strong foundation will not be shaken, we can trust that God will keep us steady and secure. He will help us through our trials and give us hope for a new day.

The following verses describe a world in turmoil, with nations in uproar and kingdoms tottering. But in the midst of all this chaos, God utters His voice and the earth melts. This is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and power over all things. No matter how great the turmoil, God is still in control.

The psalmist then proclaims, "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." This verse serves as a refrain throughout the psalm, emphasizing the source of our strength and refuge - God Himself. He is with us, fighting for us, and protecting us from harm. We can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles because the Lord of hosts is with us.

As the psalm continues, we are invited to behold the works of the Lord and see what desolations He has brought on the earth. This may seem like an odd invitation at first, but it serves as a reminder of God's power to bring about change and bring justice to a broken world. He makes wars cease, breaks bows and shatters spears, and burns shields with fire. These images speak to His ability to bring peace and justice to all corners of the earth.

The psalm concludes with the powerful words, "Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth." In the midst of chaos and turmoil, it can be difficult to find stillness and peace. Hang onto those words, “Be still and know that I am God.” This verse reminds us to be still and remember that God is in control. He is exalted above all nations and all circumstances, and we can find rest in knowing that He is God.

The final refrain of the psalm echoes once again, "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." These words serve as a reminder of God's constant presence and protection. No matter what comes our way, we can find strength, peace, and refuge in Him.

Psalm 46 offers a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and strength in times of trouble. It encourages us to turn to Him as our refuge and source of strength, knowing that He is always with us. We can find peace and comfort in His presence, even when the world around us seems to be falling apart. Let us take these words to heart and trust in the Lord of hosts, who is with us always. Be still, and know that He is God! Amen