I wrote a series of devotional readings for the upcoming youth group trip to Kingdom Bound. One of the most convicting ones for me was my reflection on Psalm 46:10. I have adapted it for a different audience, but the message of the text remains the same (and equally convicting, blogs would be much easier if they didn’t have to be done on a computer).
Psalm 46:10 says “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” There is a lot in this small verse. Some of the major points that pop out are God (of course), and that He will be exalted among the nations and exalted in the earth. That’s pretty amazing I’m not going to deny that. But perhaps the part that is sometimes overlooked is the first part, “Be still…”
It’s easy to read this and acknowledge the grandness of God and move on with life. But God doesn’t call us to recognize Him in passing amidst the distractions. God says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” “Stop what you’re doing and focus on Me.” We’re not used to being still today. We live in fast forward culture, we want to do as much as we can in as little time as possible. We’re usually on our phones, listening to music, watching TV, texting someone, surfing Facebook and the list goes on (all at once sometimes). Occasionally we might try to fit God into our busy schedule, but it’s not too long before something else grabs our attention. I am guilty as charged. But God tells us to be still. Hit pause, and really focus on Him. Look what He says, “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” That’s the God we pass by all too often.
Take some time today and in the days to come, be still, and focus on God. Step away from the distractions. After all, God is our Creator, our Sustainer, our exalted King, and perhaps greatest of all…our Savior.