BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!

God said in Psalms 46: 10, be still and know that I am God. Although David was a great warrior he had his own demons eating him up. His battles were fearful against better equipped and prepared enemies. King Saul sought after his life as a rival to the throne. Morally, he caused Uriah’s death so he would marry his wife Beersheba. His soul was restless within him.

It may appear natural to panic when the unexpected strikes. However, God wants us to be still in him during such moments. Psalms 46: 10 is of two parts; an instruction (be still); and a confirmation of who he is (know I am God). 

Be still, says God

“Be still” means do not fear; do not change course; be firm and courageous in your conviction; do not lose focus from God; or remain steadfastness or anchored in God. Simply do not doubt God on his word or promise based on our subjective impressions. Be still is a command which must be obeyed. A true walk with God starts with obedience to his command. 

We are assured in Haggai 2: 5… my spirit abides among you; do not fear. In whatever challenging circumstances we may be, we must be still in God. We must learn to listen to God’s voice and remain quiet or still before God always. What we perceive may not be real but a façade. Isaiah 41: 10-13 say do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God;…do not fear, I will help you. In other words, be still for God is with us.

In Israel’s battle against King Og of Basham, Moses said in Deuteronomy 3: 2 the LORD said to me, do not fear him, for I have handed him over to you, along with his people and his land. It is the Lord who is in charge. Deuteronomy 3: 22 says do not fear them, for it is the LORD you God who fights for you. Our strength cannot make us still in God but our faith. No battle is ours but the Lord’s so we must be still.

David wrote in Psalms 118: 6 with the LORD on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me? Jesus said in Matthew 10: 28; Luke 12: 4, do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. We must take God at his word. Isaiah 35: 4 reads, say to those who are of a fearful heart, be strong, do not fear!  

Know that I am God, says God

The second part of the statement is “know that I am God”. This is a reminder to us that the Lord remains in charge so we must seek knowledge of it. Hosea 4:6 says my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. God is God, there is no other God. What does “I am God” mean?

The unchanging God

Numbers 23: 19 says God is not a human being, that he should lie, or mortal, that he should change his mind. Has he promised, and will he not do it? Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?  It is also written in Malachi 3: 6 for the LORD does not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished. He does not change in power, glory, dominion, excellence, truth, love, mercy, grace and in all good things. 

The never unfailing God

Deuteronomy 31: 6,8 says be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the LORD your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. God never disappoints but we do. God said in Joshua 1: 5… as I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. God will never fail us although we fail God. 

The Alpha and Omega God

Revelation 1: 8 says, I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. (See also Revelation 22: 13). Revelation 21: 6 says it is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain of the water of life without payment. God knows our beginning and our end because he is God.

The eternal God

God lives forever and his kingdom shall have no end. He has no beginning and will have no end. King Nebuchadnezzar confessed God’s eternity in Daniel 4: 34 for his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. Irrespective of the times and seasons, God is forever God. Revelation 4: 9 says… the one who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever. (See also Revelation 4: 10) Our God has no end and He reigns forever.

The God who is I am who I am

God defies any description. He is beyond human knowledge, wisdom and intelligence. God said in Exodus 3: 14-15, I am who I am. This name speaks to God’s sovereignty, power and invincibility. In John 6: 33 he gives life to the world through Christ Jesus who is God’s bread of life (John 6: 35, 48) and living water to the soul (John 4:10). He is the final authority in every situation throughout the ages.

The God who owns and gives life  

God is certainly the owner and giver of our lives. Job 33: 4 says the spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. The psalmist said of God in Psalms 119: 50 this is my comfort in my distress, that your promise gives me life. He gives us life through Christ Jesus. John 5: 21 says… the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. Jesus said in John 14: 6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life. He said in John 8: 52; 11: 26 whoever keeps (believe) my word will never die. 

The God who made heaven and earth

God said in Isaiah 45: 12, I made the earth, and created humankind upon it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their hosts. What need is beyond God? God said in Isaiah 48: 13 my hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand at attention. 

Jeremiah 23: 24 says who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see? says the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD. Hebrews 1: 10 says “In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain;… But you are the same, and your years will never end”. Be still and know that our God is God.    

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, when we have a true encounter with you, we will be still because you are God. Open our eyes to behold your glory; our ears to hear when you speak; and our hearts to receive you into our lives so we will be still because you are God. Hear our humble prayer in your holy name, Amen!!