Psalm 46:8-10 - May 24, 2009

Ps 46:8-10 "Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." NIV

In the earth there are two primary forces at work that have a tremendous capacity to leave us feeling as if we are helpless. In the same way these forces cause many to question the existence of God and if He exists the extent of His power and nature of His character. These two forces are the force of nature and the existence of war. When we observe either of these two forces raging in the earth it is a natural step of logic to feel significantly inadequate to do anything to change the course of these events. It is in this light that the psalmist beckons to us, compelling us to consider the one who is Lord over all. “Come and see the works of the Lord…” We are invited to consider God in His awesome power as the psalmist directs us to the measure of His great strength. Consider the “desolations He has brought in the earth.” We must remember that we are not helpless we are dependent! There is a significant difference. It is vital that we remember that we are the beloved of the creator of the universe. Therefore all that we cannot do in the limitations of our humanity God can and will do because He loves us! In a moment’s time God can end calamity if men will humble themselves and call out to Him. He can divert the storm and end the conflict.
No king or governmental leader can exert his will in opposition to the will of the Lord. Prov 21:1 tells us that “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Ultimately every ruler is subject to the one true ruler over all and every force of nature can be silenced at the sound of His voice! It is with this knowledge that the psalmist exhorts us just to “be still and know that I am God.” When we are staring in the face of overwhelming circumstances the best thing that we can do is simply to turn our face away from our problems, gaze upon the beauty of God and be still! God has declared that He will be exalted. Our part is to rest in that knowledge and turn our gaze to Him. We cannot hear His guidance if our hearts are full of unrest. When our hearts are full of the knowledge of God’s presence then we can learn to lean on Him for peace, direction and safety that will bring glory to God and sustain us through every storm.