Written by our Lay Leader, Doug
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
In this time of uncertainty, we need to remember who is in charge. Psalm 46:10 reminds us. In a time of chaos, loss of security, and not knowing what is going to happen next, we need to be still and know that God is in charge.
Have you ever walked into a chaotic room or situation where hysteria or mass mania reigned, where people were overwhelmed with fear or excess emotions, screaming or crying or flailing about? Think of an accident scene, a school classroom with no adult present, or a mob scene. What is your first reaction? You ask someone, “Who is in charge here?” Your intent is to find someone who is responsible for or able to take control of the situation. In Psalm 46:10, God tells the world, “Look no further. I am a God.”
This verse is one that we often think of as a pious act, one of worshipping God in solitude, bowing in humble adoration, and offering Him our praise. But this verse is a very practical instruction to quell the anxiety or fear that can creep into your heart and paralyze your mind and shake the core of your body. I cannot think of a better verse to turn to and obey every time that we begin to get anxious about the spread of the Coronavirus, the health of our loved ones and ourselves, and the impact of the health care crisis and necessary preventative measures on our jobs, our finances, our lives, and our society.
“Be still and know that God is in charge.” This verse is a distillation of the whole Lord’s Prayer. Take a moment to recite the Lord’s Prayer— every line is a direct acknowledgment that God is our Sovereign, that He is the One in Charge. We need to remember that God is in control and that He uses all circumstances, including those that are painful and appear bad to us, for good. Scripture tells us this clearly: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Being still is something that has largely been lost in our modern world. It is common for us to be overactive, over-reactive, and hyperactive in almost every element of life—to the point that hyperactivity (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children. Our societal response to this increasingly common disorder is the use of prescription drugs to control hyperactivity and anxiety. In contrast, this divine instruction (to teach and practice being still on a daily basis) may be the least-prescribed and the most-needed remedy for this disorder. In fact, this verse is the basis for contemplative prayer (including Centering Prayer), which is an ancient Christian tradition that is experiencing a world-wide revival. I believe this crisis will only fuel this movement further.
This crisis is awakening us to our everlasting need for God, reminding us of our dependence on Him, just like the Israelites during the reign of Solomon. As God told Solomon (2 Chronicles 7:14): “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and come and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
In my spirit, I feel God urging us—collectively, not individually— to hear this: “You are not in control. Come back to me. Kneel before me. Go into your inner self. Be still. Know that I am in charge. I am God Almighty. I made all things. I made you for My purpose. I love you and will take care of you. Give yourself to me. Do not worry. For I am in control.”