“Be still and know that I am God;”
I have often used an abbreviated version of Psalm 46:10. For some, it may be uncomfortable for me to modify the writings of God, so I thought I would address this concern. Bear with me, for although it may seem like I am being flippant with God’s word, I am really emphasizing the full meaning of this verse.
As I have expressed in some of my books, the word “know” used in Psalm 46 has such a deeper meaning in the original Hebrew than just being aware of something. It means, “to have respect for and an understanding of something.” It is an action word. God doesn’t just want us to know He exists, or even that He is God and we are not; He wants us to understand Who He is – His very character – and that everything He does is out of love. His actions are designed to save us from death, to bring us willingly back to Himself. Therefore, we do need to get to know God. Our very life depends on it!
There are those who do not believe God exists (atheists), and those who are unwilling to commit one way or another (agnostic). Then there are those who believe God exists, but are unwilling to define Him in any way (agnostic theists). My earthly father was in the latter category until he lay dying and God revealed Himself to my dad in a way that he could no longer deny The One, True God (unlike any other god), defined Himself to all creation long ago. It was then that my dad encountered God and discovered His Lord and Savior in God’s Son.
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—
his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
(Romans 1:20)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made;
without him nothing was made that has been made.
(John 1:1-3)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory,
the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:14)
Now before you cry foul that I am using Bible scripture to argue that the God of the Bible not only exists, but wants a personal relationship with us through His Son, Jesus; please understand, this is not my idea. God, Himself uses His Word to reveal His very nature; so I cannot, in all good conscious, dispute His way of reaching out to us. While it would likely take more than this blog to turn an atheist to God, if you are an agnostic or agnostic theist; or a believer in Jesus that is allowing the cares of this world to distract you from getting to know God deeper, I pray what I write may urge you in that direction.
Let’s start by looking closer at the definition of “know” used in Psalm 46:10, “to have respect for and an understanding of something,” starting with respect:
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge...
(Proverbs 1:7a)
I use this verse because the definition of the word “fear” used in Proverbs 1:7 is “to be in awe; to respect.” I have always been careful to remind my readers of this meaning. To me, it seemed essential to our relationship with God that we understand this concept. As I grew in faith, my perspective somewhat changed. I recently wrote:
[“It wasn’t until later in life I learned that in this context, the word “fear” means reverence; a deep respect, love and awe. Oh, I could do that! It seemed much more pleasant to think of God in terms of love rather than fear. And so “awe” was replaced by “awesome” and I felt all warm and cozy inside. Somehow the idea of discipline was simply lost.” - from: The Wisdom of a Virtuous Woman]
While it is more pleasant for us to think only of God’s love and grace, we must also consistently remind ourselves of His power and might. If we fail to do so, we can too easily reduce God to something like a heavenly quilt. Someone we wrap ourselves in, but only when our world gets cold. This is a very risky place to find ourselves. So, what exactly does it mean to fear God? Simply put:
To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
(Proverbs 8:13a)
“That’s not so hard,” you might say. “I see evil in this world every day and I certainly don’t like it!” I would respond with this question, “What is your definition of evil?” This is where we all get stuck! We often judge for ourselves what is evil and what is not; what is acceptable behavior and what is not. We are only capable of judging things from our limited perspective; from our unstable emotions, and from our personal bias. Only God can judge perfectly. Yes, there is a moral compass (given by God at creation) that most live by; allowing for consequences in society for what we consider nefarious behavior. Most know what we did with that gift! If not, read the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis, chapter three.
I am thrilled to say that while I am in awe of God, I also truly fear God. More accurately, I fear life without Him. I would have it no other way! In fearing God, I am acknowledging that He alone is God; with every authority, power and ability to not only judge perfectly and righteously, but to punish perfectly and righteously. I am also acknowledging that I deserve judgement; I deserve separation from Him, I deserve His wrath! There is more, though. He is also the only one able to love perfectly, protect without fail, conquer evil and death, provide everlasting life… I could go on and on.
Now for the twist! In surrendering to God’s authority, I am filled with joy. I am at peace. I am filled with His love. For although God, from the beginning of time, has every right to swipe from the planet any person who refuses to obey Him. He instead did something so contrary, so loving, so selfless - it should blow everyone’s mind.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16)
A verse almost everyone is familiar with; but a truth too many refused to accept. Why would anyone want to refuse this saving grace? It is not because we don’t want to be saved, but because we don’t understand, we need to be saved. Therein lies the trap: Satan’s scheme is to convince our world that we do not need a savior; or worse, that we are capable of saving ourselves. Nothing could be further from the truth! There is a huge difference between being a “morally good” person and accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; and the latter is absolutely necessary for eternal life.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
(John 14:6)
I was reminded recently of just how much this world is pushing the lies of Satan on us, our children and grandchildren. As I cried out to God about how heart-broken I was that anyone, even a non-believer would dare to slander Him, He was quick to remind me that He has every right to punish all those who refuse to repent from their sins. At that moment, I came heart to heart with the Authority, Power and Majesty of God! I also came heart to heart with a Loving and Caring Father who would do anything to save His children from pain and death.
That brings us to the second part of the definition of “know,” which is, “to understand.” The way to know God’s character is to know His Son, Jesus, whom He sent:
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
(John 14:8-11)
Jesus is God. He came to earth as a man to define Himself to us. Although He was fully God, He was also fully man. Jesus experienced humanity so He knows our sufferings. His reactions and responses not only allowed us to be saved from our exile, brought back into the family of God; but gives us a perfect example of how to live in a corrupt world.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
(2 Peter 1:3-4)
I pray you will take time to be still, and stand in awe of God and His Son; to recognize and appreciate the majesty and power of our great King. A power to which, one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father .
(Philippians 2:9-11)
I pray you will also take the time to seek God through His word, the Bible; seek to know His character through His son, Jesus Christ. If you do, I guarantee, you will find so much more!
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
(Matthew 7:8)
This is why I sometimes say, “Be still and KNOW God.”
Deb Devine 07/2021
Photo Credit: Kevron2001 (iStock)
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