Ok everyone it’s Thursday which means we are switching gears in this study from the phrase “stand firm” and now moving on to “be still.” I hope by now you remember where this study cam from…it really formed from something Moses said to the children of Israel when their backs were up against the wall, literally trapped between the sea, the desert, and the Egyptian Army…I’m sure you remember it by now but I want to keep bringing it up.
Exodus 14:13 Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
We don’t have to be afraid, stand firm, be still, and let God do what God does…I love that.
So today we take our first look at the phrase “be still”, and while we hung out with Paul and Peter to study the phrase “stand firm” some, we are going to spend these next two days back in Psalms…I know, I know you are shocked that I’m taking you back to Psalms but let’s check this out. So, if you have a Bible and maybe something to write with grab it, and we will get started.
Psalm 46:8 Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. 9 He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” 11 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. NLT
I love this, did you see our phrasing in verse 10?
v10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
Now I would like to ask you some questions, so let’s slow down and take the time to reflect intentionally on this verse and these questions.
- What can you take from this passage in the moments where you find yourself in a difficult spot?
- Take your Bible and circle or highlight every reference to you see to God in these three verses. Then process this, who is it that ends wars, breaks bows, snaps spears, burns shields? Who is the fortress and protection? Who is it that is actually doing the fighting?
- What would it look like for you to slow down, be still, and allow God to lead your life? Could you allow room for Him to move in your life? What are some things you could do to “be still.”
Before you move on from this moment, take some time and pray, talk to your Heavenly Father about what it looks like to turn to God, and to find strength in Him and hopefully you can keep reflecting on this verse as you go about your day. Grab the image from social media, put it on your phone and keep centering on it, especially if you are struggling with life or feel like your back is against the wall find encouragement and strength in God’s word.
v10 “Be still, and know that I am God!