Be still and know that I am God
Introduction
- It is humbling to remember the writing of the hymn: "It is well with my soul"
- Text: v10
- The whole Psalm is a very wonderful Psalm
- The setting could be after the great deliverance of the Israelites from Sennacherib the King (Isa 36-37)
- The Psalm speaks of a sudden deliverance (v5)
- The Psalm speaks of great deliverance (v6)
- Some Psalms are personal, this is corporate
- God is our refuge and strength
- God is with us
- My God and our God
- Hezekiah dug tunnels to source a water supply
- Reference in v3
- God is our river - He supplies all we need
- God has His own water supply
- Jesus spoke of this water to the Samaritan woman
- v10
- A verse of comfort
- "Be still and know that I am God"
- Overview:
- Command
- Call
- Comfort
Command
- "Be still"
- Hebrew word: to slacken or let go
- Cease from frantic activity
- Cease from self-activity - we cannot save ourselves
- Quote from Benjamin Franklin
- Sometimes as Christians we need this command
- We are not indispensable
- Examples from the Bible
- Moses at the Red Sea (Ex 14) - "Stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord"
- The Apostle Paul (2 Cor 12) - "My grace is sufficient for you"
- Example from Horatio Spafford
Call
- "and know"
- Hebrew word: to perceive by sight, to understand something clearly
- We are living in a post-modern world - but we can have assurance
- It is a call to have an understanding
- Prov 4:7 - Get wisdom and understanding
- Prov 7:4 - Let wisdom and knowledge be your next of kin
- 1 John 5:20 - We know all things
- When trials come to us, it is reassuring
- Rom 5 - rejoicing in trials knowing that tribulation produces patience
- Rom 8:28 - "we know that all things work together for good to
those who love God"
Comfort
- The comfort is to know "that I am God"
- The most high God (v4)
- God is on the throne of heaven
- A God of power, majesty and authority
- Example of idolatry
- Jesus is the only name to be exalted
- The God of Jacob (v7,11)
- Is our refuge
- The God who has condescended and met people in their situation
- Example of Jacob
Closing Remarks
- Be still and know that I am God
- Are you worried by the rise of Islam, false religion and humanism?
- Are you in trouble, tested and tempted in various ways?
- There is a day coming when Christ will return
- He is with us
- Matt 28
- Be encouraged as a local fellowship
Prayer