Although Andrew enjoyed working as a deputy head in a secondary school, he felt God calling him into ordained ministry. After resigning his position, he needed to discern where to train. But then Covid hit.
He was inclined to barrel ahead with arrangements, but as he pondered Psalm 46, he sensed God inviting him to pause and trust Him: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). “I heard it as a definite command, yet there was a sense of release and relax in that,” he reflected.
Each time Andrew was tempted to organise the next steps, he was reminded of this verse. And each time he stopped and trusted. Eventually he was thrilled when God led him to just the right theological college, which has since been a blessing for him, his family and his church.
The psalmist who wrote this song may have penned it for public worship, calling the people to remind themselves of God’s character in times of trouble. He urged them to surrender their all to God, He who is not only their rock and refuge, but who will be exalted by all the nations.
Because God is mighty and because He loves us, we too can still ourselves before Him, trusting that He will be our ever-present help in times of trouble (v. 1) or change. We affirm that He is with us (v. 7).
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
When have words from Scripture come alive to you? How can you submit to God’s work in your life today?
Loving God, I thank You that You are alive, and that You care about me. Help me to love and serve You this day.
The final verse of Psalm 46 says, “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (v. 11), providing an echo to verse 7. Perhaps it’s those references to our security in God’s protection that prompted Martin Luther to pen one of the church’s most enduring hymns, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” But the protective imagery isn’t limited to those statements. In verse 1 , we see God as a “refuge,” “strength,” and “ever-present help.” The sons of Korah, who authored Psalm 46, described the only reasonable response to understanding; namely, that our safety is found in our Creator: “Therefore we will not fear” (v. 2). God Himself gives us this encouragement in verse 10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” In a world where there’s plenty to be afraid of, our God offers us His presence (v. 11 ), for He Himself is our safety.
Bill Crowder
Our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.
