absolute.

the absolute that God is greater causes us to be still and know.

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 

Many times, when I read this scripture, I read it as the writer encouraging believers to rest and know that God is in control. I thought “be still” meant to refrain from movement and simply, do nothing. But as I prayed and reflected, I learned it means more.  

In Psalms 46, the writer opens the passage with a declarative statement - “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). He then lists examples of some of the most frightening things within the scope of our imagination: “the earth removed” …” mountains carried away”…” waters troubled”…” mountains shaking”. These are natural reasons to be afraid, right? 

I believe the writer lists these types of examples to show us that God’s presence trumps ALL trouble. 

Psalm 46:9 says, “He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.” In other words, He not only fights for us and makes wars cease, He destroys the enemy's weapons! And it is because of this great power, that we have no reason to fear, even when we feel we have natural reason to do so. 

This truth also applies to the personal troubles we face…I’m smiling as I write this because this season I’m in right now is showing me how much my faith has grown. I’m going on a month of being temporarily unemployed. With my career field, work experience, and skills, natural reason tells me it shouldn’t take this long to secure a job and I should be worried about my future, BUT God told me to trust Him even in this!

No matter how scary or unrealistic it may seem, EVERY day over the last month, I have continued to put one foot in front of the other trusting that my God will supply all my needs. Instead of calculating what I am missing (I am sort of like a human calculator lol), I am making a reasonable estimation based on God’s character and His track record. And I have found the absolute - He is greater! Let me tell y’all, although I am not working, I have not missed a meal or bill payment…checks continue to be deposited, and my faith in God is stronger than it has ever been. 

The absolute that God is greater causes us to be still and know. 

💡It’s more than just resting comfortably in the presence of God, being still is a call to surrender and acknowledge that He is the one and only victorious God! 

💡Being still is rebuking the mountains and waters that are in opposition to His will. 

💡 Being still is declaring to your soul that He is the only One who can make what you’re waiting on happen. 

💡 Being still is understanding that knowing that God is God is enough to still everything that says otherwise!

As you read this today, I pray that you take some time to reflect on where you are and listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading to be still and know that He is God!