If you’d rather watch the devotional, check it out on youtube.
This week in our devotions we are looking at three different psalms. The psalms have been Israel’s and the church’s prayer book for centuries and so it makes sense for it to be our prayer book during this pandemic. May these words be refreshing and comforting during this time.
We’ll begin with Psalm 46:
Psalm 46 is a fitting psalm for where we find ourselves. Our world is currently in turmoil, in some cases the earth is giving way both literally and figuratively. We may feel like we are in the midst of roaring and foaming water, being battered by the utter chaos. It may feel like the nations are raging, kingdoms are tottering on the brink of recession and paralyzing fear.
And yet the voice of the psalmist speaks to us in this time. “God is our refuge and strength…God is a very present help in trouble…God is in the midst of the city…God will help when the morning dawns…The Lord or hosts is with us.”
Over and over again in the Bible we hear this promise of God’s presence with us in all situations, particularly in times of trouble. There are no easy answers in these moments, but God is still present.
The one verse in Psalm 46 that I think is most important for us in this time is verse 10, “Be still, and know that I am God.” But, notice what is happening. The psalm has been speaking about anything other than calm and tranquility. Yet, those are the scenes we typically see accompanying this verse in artwork.
“Be still, and know that I am God” is spoken in the midst of the madness, in the deafening anxiety and life shaking upheaval. God yells out to us in the middle of it all to stop, and take note of who He is. “Be still and know that I am God.” For this God is exalted above everything else, and this God is with us in our storms.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Instead of song lyrics today, I’d like to lead you through a meditation of Psalm 46.10. I invite you to breathe in and out on each phrase as you read through a pyramid reading of this verse. Breathe deeply a few times between each line. May this help remind you of God’s presence during this time.
To begin: quiet yourself, and breathe deeply a few times.
Be still, and know that I am God.
Be still, and know that I am
Be still, and know
Be still
Be
Be still
Be still, and know
Be still, and know that I am
Be still, and know that I am God.
Amen.