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
In Charles Spurgeon's Treasury of David, he called Psalm 46 "The Song of Holy Confidence." Let's take a journey through this Psalm and see if we can see why Spurgeon gave it this title.
We can be confident that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. In the original language that means that God is wholly, speedily, diligently, mightily, able, sufficient and present to help us whenever we need Him. (Psalm 46:1)
We can be confident in God and choose to not give into fear no matter the circumstances. "Even though the earth be removed"-even when things in the natural world collapse. "Though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea"-even though the cultural landmarks fall. "Though its waters roar and be troubled" and "though the mountains shake with its swelling"- even though turbulent events happen and human response is inadequate. (Psalm 46:1-3)
We can be confident because God is always is control. God is always with us. God promises to be our refuge. (Psalm 46:4-7)
"Be still" in the original language means to cease, to let go and to relax. To "know" He is God is to be aware, to consider, to discern, to discover, to receive, to have respect, to be sure and to have understanding. We can be confident in both the character of our faithful Father as well as in His promises that in the end He will be exalted among the nations and He will be exalted in the earth. Even though our world is broken and sin twisted and chaotic, God will one day make all wrong things right on this planet. That's His promise. (Psalm 46:10)
This Song of Holy Confidence concludes in verse 11 with the words, "The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge." If you delve into the scriptures you will discover that the Lord of hosts or the Captain of the Lord of hosts is a title for Jesus Christ. He is in charge of the heavenly armies. I love a quote I read from Jackie Hill Perry, "If He is the Lord of heaven's armies then He must also be the Lord of earth's troubles." Hallelujah!
I think Spurgeon's title for this Psalm is spot on, do you? It reminds us that we can be filled with holy confidence in God, especially in these turbulent times. Our innermost being can be still even when things around us feel unstable. We can confidently know that God is in control and is always present to help us no matter what happens. In others words, we can be people of holy confidence in God.
"We can be people of holy confidence in God ..." May I be that person every day, no matter the circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThat is my prayer, too!
DeleteOne I remind myself on during this Covid virus and the upheaval in our world right now. I don't see the plan, but I know it is there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a comfort to know that God has a plan that is above the plans of man!
DeleteElizabeth, I love this I have Psalm 46:10 on my iPhone as a wallpaper so I look at it daily. Thank you for digging deeper into this scripture. Just what we need in these challenging days.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you
I love the idea of having a Psalm as your phone wallpaper!
DeleteYes. Be Still. Sometimes, I forget the second part - and know He is God. If I remember that part, being still is so much easier. Yes, Sprugeon was so correct - The Psalm of Holy Confidence as we know He Is God and we will exalt Him.
ReplyDeleteI think inner stillness is only unshakeable when our confidence is in the unshakable God!
DeleteGod confidence, that is the only way. Yes, I agree! Nice post. Thanks.Followed you from Lyli D.'s then your site to here. Thanks for the advanture.
ReplyDelete