Psalm 46

This summer, I have spent time thinking through Psalm 46. You can buy T-shirts, key chains, coffee mugs - who knows what else - with "Be still and know that I Am God" on them. That verse, 46:10 is quoted often and is a really special verse. But when it's read and considered in the context of the whole chapter, God's command to "be still" simply radiates.

What I never understood before is that Psalm 46 tells us that we live in a world marked by violence and upheaval.

* There is the violence of nature (v. 1-3). New Orleans is still scarred by the violent power of Katrina. The Asian Tsunami of December, 2004 was devastating. We've seen the violence of nature played out, and even now, those in Texas and Mexico are holding their breath as Hurricane Dolly heads to shore.

* There is the violence of geopolitical turmoil (v. 6). Are we in recession? Depression? How will our country vote this fall? Does it matter or is it too late to change? And what about problems that the rest of the world is facing? Inflation in Zimbabwe is at 2.2 MILLION percent. In Zimbabwe, a four-pound bag of sugar cost about 20 billion Zimbabwe dollars, or $1 US.

* There is the violence of war (v. 9). Afghanistan. Iraq. Now Iran is rattling sabers. War is real for our country and our world.

I am stunned by the relevance and power of Psalm 46. Pretty much anytime that I've read or heard it, the devotional message revolved around v. 10. The power of the passage now seems to be positioning God's call to "be still" against the description of a world in chaos in the earlier verses. Psalm 46 seems to know that I am burdened by global climate issues . . . that terrorists are dying for their cause . . . that the world economy is on pretty shaky ground . . . on and on.

And yet, God beckons me - and you - to "be still and know."

* Gas is $4 a gallon! "Be still and know that I am God . . . "

* My son is away from home at CIY! "Be still and know that I am God . . . "

* Is our church ready to impact our community? "Be still and know that I am God . . . "

* Cement shipments are down! "Be still and know that I am God . . . "

So what about you? How would you fill in this blank? If I had to bet, I'd gamble that you can fill it in with something. Spend a minute, write out what's filling your life with noise, and hear the Word of the Lord.

* __________! "Be still and know that I am God . . . "

AMEN.