April 1

Stillness in the Middle of Chaos

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 46:8-11 | Deuteronomy 18:1-20:20 | Luke 9:28-50 | Proverbs 12:10

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Psalm 46

He 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 NIV).

I’m always struck by how noisy this psalm is: Mountains quaking and falling into the middle of the sea, water roaring, nations in uproar, kingdoms falling, the earth melting, desolations, wars. Yet, it is in the midst of all this noise and chaos that God says to us: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted.”

At first it seems ironic that a passage about being quiet and still before God is found in the midst of a noisy cacophony. Yet it is in such a place that we most need stillness, quietness and solitude. It is in the midst of craziness and busyness that we most need to slow down and be quiet. 

It’s when the world seems to be falling apart that we most need to remember that he is God and is still in control and that he will be exalted in the nations and in the earth.  It is when life gets difficult and we are most vulnerable that we need to remember that “the LORD Almighty is with us; The God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Does your world seem to be falling apart? There is no reason to fear even if a mountain falls into the heart of the sea (2). Be still. Remember who your God is. Spend some time there in reverent awe meditating on his greatness. Slow down and put your trust in him!  He is the fortress to whom you can run to find safety and rest.

Lord God, help me to live in the constant awareness of your presence. For as I walk in your presence, you bring rest to my soul. As you are exalted, I find a place of stillness and peace. I trust you for the events of this day. Guide me as a loving Father and as a Good Shepherd and let me hear the still small voice of your Spirit. Amen.