Be Still

By Pastor Royston Smith

One of my favourite Psalms is found in the 46th chapter. At its core it seeks to highlight the importance of stillness. This idea is most prominent in verse 10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Relish Peace! Experience tranquillity! Savour serenity! Be still, a divine command. 

Unfortunately, stillness is a reality that often escapes our busy and bustling lives. This idea of stillness once seemed hilarious – a scandalous laugh you hastily insert.  Actually, our life’s story seems to focus more on times of uncertainty, moments of upheaval and instances of unhappiness, often manufacturing uneasiness and growing fear, and anxiety that scars our world with panic, illnesses and death. Be still! You must be joking – we’re in the midst of a pandemic that has changed all our lives!

Amazingly, it has taken a pandemic (COVID 19) to bring sombreness and sobriety to a fast-moving world. Isolation is recommended. Stay home. Refrain from visiting. Exercise alone.  Avoid contact. Even as the Government and scientists are scrambling, searching for a vaccine cure, in the interim ‘stillness’ has become the antidote. The streets are soundless and solitary. Fittingly, this responsible action slows and spreads the risk of the coronavirus, whilst breaking the chain of infection. Stillness, apparently passive, is powerful enough to abate the current danger of the deadly coronavirus.  

Agreeing, an anonymous poet scripts: Even in stillness, there is movement. Sometimes it takes time for the molecules of change to shift form. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, transformation is taking place”. Be still! Government will pay your bills. Be Still! Virologists and epidemiologists will find a cure! 

Stillness requires movements to experience change. “Be still and know that I am God”, the first half of Psalms 46:10, encourages us as God’s children to be still and silent before the Lord. In some sense it affirms a healthy rest in the presence of the Lord. Principally, we are commanded to wake up, stop striving, and acknowledge God for who He really is, allowing Him to do what only He can do. 

God will stand by you and defend you against all coronaviruses. One vlogger aptly commented, “Corona has proved that everything around us is so temporary. Things our lives revolved around like work, gym, malls, movies, society have all gone for a toss as we are learning to live without them. It has taught us that in the end it’s your own home and family that keeps you safe” – I judiciously add the “God of Jacob”.

Truthfully, the Lord, our Lord is our “refuge and strength” and our “stronghold”. The key point of Psalm 46 is, “The Lord of hosts is with us”.  So, trust Him in this time of uncertainty. Relax in Him even though you might find it difficult and conflicting. He is powerful. He is in charge. He has your welfare and best interest at heart.  Just be still and know that He is your God.

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