War. Inflation (Food, Gas, Cars, Electricity, Rents seeing the highest rates). Unpredictable pandemic. Tainted Olympics (Restrictions, Boycotts, a Doping Scandal). Supply Chain Issues (Empty Shelves). Education (Masks, Curriculum, Recalls). Rising Domestic Violence and Drug Use.
Overall, I cannot say 2022 has had a stellar beginning. Perhaps that is why one of my morning daily verses served as a great reminder. “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” [Psalm 46:10 NKJV]
The Holman Christian Standard renders it, “Stop your fighting—and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.”
Psalm 46 is a song about God our Refuge. It begins with the declaration of God’s provision and presence in times of trouble, and ends with that reminder to stop, be still, and know who God is.
Looking around us now, the world could be described with one word—turmoil. (Turmoil means a state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.) But if we look at history, there are very few times when the world has not been in a state of turmoil.
Turmoil insists on our attention. It saps our energy and depletes our mental and emotional stability at the same time it demands we run and strive endlessly without purpose. Turmoil loves to see us off balance and hopeless.
God, however, tells us to stop the endless running and be still in His presence. He tells us to “know” that He is God and that He alone is and always will be exalted. Our Father wants us to rest in Him, no matter what is going on around us. Maybe today is a great day to stop, be still, and memorize those first few verses of Psalm 46.
“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its turmoil. Selah” [vs 1-3 HSB]
Amen & Amen.
