Be Still and Know...
Stop. Be still. Breathe in. Pause. Breathe out. This simple act is a miracle. We take it automatically without thinking, without intention thousands of times per day. Take a few breaths today contemplating the God Who created the universe, Who holds the galaxies in perfect precision, gives thought to you....and loves you. "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10a) an encouragement to rest, to stop, to breathe in Peace.
I am told this Psalm, famous for centuries for comforting every believer with the words “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble”, was the basis for Martin Luther’s hymn “A Mighty Fortress is our God”.
Have you ever heard it? Look it up, listen to its dissonant melody. Hear the words. The tune and words begin to wash over the hearer with the first few lines, setting the stage for ancient battle. As the lyrics continue the magnitude of its Truth build and lift your inner being in encouragement, strength and determination. Instead of accepting defeat from our adversary, we instead are emboldened to KNOW “his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure”. No matter the source of strife, no matter how long the battle, we can be triumphant. Not depending on our own resources, but through the One Who gives us strength and breath miraculously, faithfully, one after another after another. His faithfulness will never fail. We CAN truly “be still and know the He is God”.