Psalm 46:10

SURF’S UP!

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In Psalm 46:10 the LORD graciously reminds us to do what we so often fail to remember: “Be still, and know that I am God.” To paraphrase what God is encouraging us to do, this verse is saying,

“Let go of the burden; settle down; carefully look around you, reflect on what you see, and then recognize, bear in mind, remember that I am God.”

Not long ago, I was parked at beautiful, scenic Harris Beach State Park, a ten minute drive from our home (and visible from our back deck — man, are we suffering here in Oregon!).

The sea happened to be stormy and turbulent that day and as I watched the waves crashing against the rocks, coming in then going out, it occurred to me there was much going on beneath the surface of the water — and that they are not completely separate entities — they are one and the same body of water.

You see, the top is exposed to winds and rain; the bottom is pretty much life-as-usual, the things unseen doing their job. In other words: The surface may be turbulent, but underneath things are just as they should be — and go relatively unaffected by the surface commotion.

The lesson for us is pretty simple, its application critical: Things aren’t always as they appear to be, at least on the surface. The “foundation”, the underwater world of the ocean, is stable and able to have its many parts perform their function without being thrown off, whacked out by what’s happening topside.

So it can be for us: The surface storms in life come and go but the Foundation, Christ, is stable and unmovable. No storm comes to stay; rather every one of them comes to pass!

Storms do have a purpose: replenishing our oceans, changing the shoreline, and so forth. The storms of life also come and bring with them necessary changes — and with those the blessings of a kind, caring, Sovereign Creator.

ON LETTING GO

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Recently I shared some thoughts on letting go, applying it to the loss of a spouse, a believing son, daughter, parent, dear friend, and so forth. I was again reminded of that choice recently while reading the familiar words of Psalm 46:10. I received such timely encouragement from it that I felt compelled to share it with you all.

“Be still,” says the Lord, “and know that I am God.” A careful word-study of this simple passage brings out some wonderful, applicable truths for all of us pilgrims of the Faith! As we dissect this verse, we’ll see just how marvelous and encouraging is the Word of God.

First, “still” comes from the Hebrew word raphah and it means to cease, let go, relax. “Know” is translated from the word yada meaning to know by observation and reflecting or experiencing; to “recognize and understand” (Amplified Bible).

Paraphrasing then applying Psalm 46:10 to the theme of letting go, this scripture is saying “Let go of the burden, settle down. Carefully look around you, reflect on what you see, and recognize that I am God!”

Being reminded that our Sovereign, All-powerful, Loving Creator oversees every detail of our lives, bringing about His good, pleasing, perfect will (Romans 12:2) is good news indeed!