Good morning. Intimacy with God is His desire for each of us. That is true no matter what our circumstances. As a matter of fact, I would suggest that it is in times of crisis that our intimacy with God may be all the more evident when it is present, and more deeply longed for when it is not. The storms do come, of that there is no doubt. Where we look for shelter, for help, or for reassurance in those times of storms is the only real question.
For those times of storms in life I would like to suggest that you place at the front of your mind the title for this thought for the day: 46:10.
Because that suggestion is coming from me it is pretty certain that the reference of 46:10 is for a Bible verse. But there are a lot of chapters and verses in the Bible that would include 46:10. For today, I would like to suggest that you memorize 46:10 so that you may recall the truth of one of them. If the words of this 46:10 are immediately accessible in your memory banks, the question of where to turn and how to proceed in the eyes of the storm are quickly understood.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10
Now to be sure, Isaiah 46:10, especially when coupled with the 9th verse, also is quite powerful:
for I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me,
declaring the end from the beginning
and from ancient times things not yet done,
saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,
and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ Isaiah 46:9-10
But for today, please allow your spirit to dwell upon that truth that is commanded by God: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
In the midst of crisis those words are essential. When life takes you to the ragged edge, when you know that in and of yourself you do not have the resources nor the skills to succeed, 46:10 becomes critically important.
The first command is to be still. For some of us, that is never easy. When we are facing a crisis in life that command to be still seems all but impossible. When you are relying on yourself, on your own resources, being still would be a terrible idea when the storm is closing in. However, when you are relying upon your Father God, being still means that we take a deep breath and allow God to take control.
In my life I sometimes think of this situation as being similar to driving a car at the 70 mph speed of the interstate. When the road is flat and straight it is pretty easy to think of letting the Lord have the wheel. But when there is a sharp curve coming after the crest of a hill…I want to grab the wheel with both hands until my knuckles turn white. God tells us that it is when we are in those more stressful and challenging moments that it is especially important to trust Him, to let Him lead.
The second part of the statement is to: know that I am God. Think about what that means. The God of creation desires to walk with you, work with you, guide you, guard you, and resolve any and every crisis with you. He is our God who is exalted over all the earth, and He is able!
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10
It may be difficult to remember all of that verse, but can you remember 46:10? I am sure that you can. So, when those tough moments arise, call to mind 46:10 and even if you don’t remember all the words, you will remember their intent. Be still, remember that God is God, and you are not.
Blessings!
Vern