Be Still and Know: Finding Peace in God Psalm 46:10
Introduction:
Today we dive into the beautiful words of Psalm 46:10, which invites us to experience the transformative power of stillness and trust in God's presence. In a world filled with noise and chaos, let us discover the profound peace that comes from resting in the Lord.
"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world." (Psalm 46:10, NLT)
Point 1: Understanding the Call to Stillness
The psalmist's call to "be still" carries deep significance. In the midst of life's storms and challenges, God invites us to pause, quiet our hearts, and acknowledge His sovereignty. Being still before God involves surrendering our anxieties, worries, and busyness to Him. It's a deliberate act of trust and reverence, recognising that He is in control.
Psalm 37:7a (NLT): "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act."
This verse from Psalm 37 calls us to a place of stillness and patience before the Lord. In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to become anxious and restless, seeking quick resolutions and outcomes. However, God invites us to pause, quiet our hearts, and trust in His timing. Being still before the Lord requires an attitude of surrender and expectancy. As we wait on Him, we demonstrate our faith and reliance on His wisdom and provision.
Isaiah 30:15a (NLT): "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.'"
Isaiah 30:15 underscores the essential connection between salvation and resting in God. True salvation comes not from our own efforts or achievements but from a posture of returning to God and finding rest in His presence. When we rest in God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and relinquish our self-reliance. It's a beautiful paradox that in surrendering to Him, we find true freedom and security.
Point 2: Knowing God in Stillness
As we embrace stillness, we encounter the profound truth of knowing God intimately. Stillness is not merely an absence of noise but a posture of openness to God's presence. It's in the quiet moments of prayer, meditation, and reflection that we deepen our relationship with Him. Knowing God brings assurance, peace, and a renewed perspective amidst life's challenges.
Psalm 62:5-6 (NLT): "Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken."
These verses from Psalm 62 echo the theme of waiting quietly before God. Here, the psalmist expresses unwavering confidence in God as their source of hope and security. The imagery of God as a rock and fortress underscores His unchanging nature and reliability. As we wait quietly before Him, our faith is strengthened, and we find refuge from life's storms.
Isaiah 46:10a (NLT): "Only I can tell you the future before it even happens."
Isaiah 46:10 highlights God's unique ability to declare the future with precision and certainty. This verse reminds us of God's omniscience and sovereignty over time and history. Trusting in Him means entrusting our future into His capable hands. As we surrender our plans and dreams to God, we acknowledge His authority and wisdom to guide us into His perfect will.
Point 3: Honouring God's Sovereignty
The psalmist declares that God will be honoured by every nation and throughout the world. Embracing stillness and knowing God positions us to recognise His supreme authority over all circumstances. When we honour God's sovereignty, we align our lives with His purposes and bring glory to His name. Our trust in Him becomes a testimony of His faithfulness to a watching world.
Psalm 115:1 (NLT): "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness."
Psalm 115:1 directs our focus to the glory of God alone. In a world that often exalts human achievements and ambitions, this verse calls us to humility and reverence before the Lord. All glory and honour belong to Him because of His unwavering love and faithfulness. As we live our lives, may we reflect this truth by attributing every success and blessing to God's grace and mercy.
Revelation 5:13b (NLT): "Blessing and honour and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever."
In Revelation 5:13, we glimpse the heavenly chorus declaring the eternal praise and worship due to God. This scene reminds us of the ultimate purpose of our lives—to honour and glorify God both now and for eternity. As believers, we are called to align our hearts with this heavenly anthem, offering our lives as living sacrifices in adoration of the One who reigns forever.
Application and Call to Action:
These passages collectively convey the profound truths of resting in God's presence, trusting in His sovereignty, and giving Him the glory He deserves. As we meditate on these Scriptures, may we cultivate a lifestyle of stillness, surrender, and praise, honouring God in every aspect of our lives. Let us wait patiently before Him, confident in His unchanging love and faithfulness.
Embrace Stillness: Commit to setting aside intentional time for stillness in God's presence each day. Use this time for prayer, reading Scripture, and listening to His voice.
Deepen Your Relationship: Seek to know God more intimately through personal study of His Word and participation in corporate worship and fellowship.
Honour God's Sovereignty: Live each day with a conscious awareness of God's sovereignty over your life. Trust Him completely, and let your life reflect His glory to those around you.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the invitation to be still and know that You are God. Help us to find true peace and rest in Your presence. May our lives honour Your sovereignty and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, amen.
May this sermon inspire you to embrace stillness and experience the profound peace that comes from knowing and trusting in our sovereign God. Be encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of stillness and honour Him in every aspect of your life. God bless you richly as you walk in His truth and peace.
