That’s a tall order … be still. Have you ever tried to fix a child’s boo-boo by cleaning a wound and applying a bandage … all the while trying to keep them still and calm? “Be still,” we say. “It’s hard to help you if you can’t be still for a minute!”
Of course, adults have their own struggles with being still. Maybe it’s not about a bandage on a wound. It would be more like something has gone wrong and I need to fix it right now. Or some problem has come up, and my mind is going through all the consequences this is going to create. Oh no, what am I going to do now?
I am sure King David, who wrote this Psalm, had plenty of tragedies and problems enough to panic or worry about the destruction or terror that could result. He must have learned that one of God’s best responses to our troubles was to say, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It helps us to put things in perspective. Our spirit can declare within us, “Yes, you are God. You love me. I can trust you. I need not worry. Your promises are great and true.”
How great is God? Well, I am usually operating on the “me-level” while God is simultaneously operating on everything from the universe – earth – nation level, all the way down to my level and yours. I don’t always think about the big picture. God thinks about every picture, every angle … big and small. He is the Exalted One … at every level … trustworthy, good, faithful … our strength and shield.
When I was twelve years old, our family went to Connecticut because my dad had to visit a seminary student. Once we were in New York City, Dad took the car on his business, while my mom, myself, and two younger sisters finished the journey to her family in Connecticut by train.
My mom took good care of us and the trip worked out fine. But not having Dad around in a strange place was a little unsettling. Mom was our caregiver, managing daily life for us, while Dad was sort of like the stabilizer. We had been on many trips and vacations and were used to Dad always knowing directions, finding places to eat and to spend the night, and getting us to our destination, while Mom kept track of what we were doing and especially took care of the needs of the smallest ones.
So here we were with Mom in Grand Central Station, New York City. It was h-u-g-e!! We walked down corridors, climbed stairs, and stood in lines, all the while hanging onto Mom. We were surrounded by noise, movement, and confusion. There were moments I wished Dad were there to lead us through this strange place. Mom loved us, but Dad was the leader.
There is plenty going on around us right now … COVID virus, racial tensions, and political controversy. Surely, we know that there are people on this journey with us who love us, but in unsettling circumstances, we need stability within our spirits and guidance through the turmoil. It is an excellent time to “be still and know that God is God!” Will we make it through this strange time? Yes, if we let the God who is “exalted among the nations and in the earth” lead us through.
Pray for peace and be at peace. “Be still and know.”
Blessings,
Chaplain Mark