Learning to Listen #16

Psalm 46:10 is one of those verses that we like to pluck out of context, which robs us of just what a blessing it is.  It is in the third and final stanza of the Psalm, which begins with the equally popular: 

God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.

The writers then go on to contrast the instability on earth, with its wars and natural disasters, like floods, versus the great stability to be found in the presence of God, and the peaceful river flowing through heaven. After a second Selah - interlude to meditate on those thoughts - they bring us to the final stanza in verse:

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

"Be Still." Stop and listen and learn. In the midst of conflicts and controversies and confusion, seek His voice.  When the air is dead with silence after the battles, listen for His message.  When our hearts wonder what it's all about, look to Him, and find Him to be Who He always is: our faithful fortress, ready to speak and share truth we need.