Psalm 46:1- 5 says,” God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.”
The “her” refers to Israel but we can also be a part of the presence and refuge of Christ, not only during difficult experiences, but always. “She shall not be moved…” (Verse 5). What “moves” you and me? Sometimes our emotions are “moved” to feel sympathy and compassion, but other times we are “moved” to worry or fear by earthly troubles and anxieties. We need to learn to be still and not be moved by difficult circumstances. In Acts 20:23 we read how Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, and the Holy Spirit warned him that prison and hardships awaited him there. Yet Paul could victoriously declare in verse 24 – “But none of these things move me.” Paul stood firm during onslaughts because his whole life and trust were centred in Christ and His protection. He knew the secret of waiting on the Lord in quietness and prayer.
When the Israelites faced the strong Egyptians, God told them through Moses in Exodus 14:13 – “…Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.” The King James version says, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD…” It is difficult to be still and not be moved into action when facing dangers or tribulations, but Christ desires that we come to the place of being still and at rest in His sweet presence.
Psalm 37:7 confirms this – “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Sometimes, during our busyness and haste, it is hard to be still, but God commands us in Isaiah 39:15 – “For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
Psalm 46:10 – “…Be still, and know that I am God…” We need to first be still and peaceful, then we will know and experience that He is God.
Blessed, most precious Jesus, thank You that You showed us by Your example, when You walked on this earth, how to be still when you withdrew to somewhere alone during the busyness of life, to communicate with Abba Father God. You knew where Your strength and perseverance came from, that God is our refuge, our help, our Fortress, and our Hiding Place in times of distress. Even in the midst of evil, You could remain quiet because You had that inner beautiful peace which passes all understanding. Please help me to be more like You. Thank You for your sustaining strength which helps me when I become anxious. I love and adore You almighty blessed Redeemer! Amen.
Myrtle Turunen