“‘Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’  The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.”  Psalm 46:10-11

We have raised two daughters and have the pleasure of spending a fair amount of time with our grandsons.  As a result, we have plenty of experience with children fighting sleep…especially when they are overtired.    They fight and fight until that moment that they are so worn out, that they can no longer stay awake and suddenly their little bodies go limp.  There was a meme recently that caught my attention.  It reflected on the meaning of “cease striving” or “be still” (depending on your preferred translation).  The connotation of this phrase is similar to that of a child deep in sleep, they are so relaxed that they are like a rag doll.  We are to be so confident in God that we put down our “weapons”, we stop exerting ourselves…we relax.  We relax completely and our soul is at ease because our confidence rests in God.  In the context of this Psalm, we need to look at what this does not mean as well as how it instructs us to live.

Being still is not passive resignation.  It is not being stoic, giving up, being lax, or ignoring the problem.  It’s not choosing to trust God because we have no other option.  It’s not trusting God because we have exhausted all other possibilities.  On the contrary, it is active acceptance.

The first form of action is being a good steward which affects every area of life.   In the context of our bodies, we should take care of them with proper diet and exercise understanding that we are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).  When illness arises, we should explore and accept reasonable treatment plans.  In the context of finances, we are to apply God’s principles with respect to income, tithes and offerings, spending and debt (Luke 16:13-15, etc.).  With respect to jobs, we are to:  do our work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23); evaluate the circumstances; and make a decision whether or not to stay in the position.  With respect to job loss, we are called to be responsible and look for a new position (1 Timothy 5:8).  When caring for an ill child, spouse, or parent, we are to make decisions in their best interest rather than our own (Philippians 2:3-4).  In all of our endeavors, we apply God’s principles and seek His direction.  Having done that, we rest.  To “be still” in this context is acting sensibly while remembering that our will and our plans do not supersede God’s will or His plans for us.

Psalm 46 opens with “God is our refuge”.  Psalm 18:2 tells us that He is “our rock and our fortress”.  In order to receive the benefit of protection, one must go to and enter the fortress or place of refuge.  It requires decision and endeavor.   Consequently, our second form of action is to choose to go to and accept Gods protection and peace.  The stronger our relationship with God, the more natural a response this will be.  It will be the first thing rather than the last.  It is secure because we know from whom our safety comes.  An overtired child succumbs to sleep because they are just worn out.  That is where the analogy breaks down.  We don’t cease striving because we are fatigued from fighting; we cease striving because we decide to trust God rather than in our own strength or the help of others (Psalm 44:6-8).  We can relax, let go and be at peace because we know that God is able and that we have acted as good stewards…and even when we have not and come to our senses, we stop battling and give it to God to handle.

Ultimately, this passage speaks to the attitude of our mind and soul.  Living well, no matter our circumstances, means to submit our will to God’s and to choose to trust.  The second phrase in this passage is “and know that I am God”.  Our trust is not an ignorant or blind trust, but rather it is informed.  For we know that God:

• Is almighty and sovereign (Luke 1:37, Job 42:2, Isaiah 43:13)
• Is good (Luke 18:19)
• Chose us in Christ before the beginning of the world (Ephesians 1:4)
• Has a plan for our good (Jeremiah 29:11)
• Loves us (John 3:16)
• Loved us first (1 John 4:19)
• Laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16)
• In Christ and the Holy Spirit, intercedes for us (Romans 8:34, 8:26)
• Will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 37:28)
• Willingly bears our burdens (Psalm 68:19, 1 Peter 5:7)
• Is our source of strength (Philippians 4:13; Isaiah 40:29)

Life is difficult.  As Christians we are warned that we share in Christ’s suffering which can take many forms.  We are told that we will have trouble in this world, but promised that Christ has overcome the world.  So as we face the tribulations that come our way, we need to stop trying to change what cannot be changed and stop worrying about what makes us uncomfortable and rest in the peace that surpasses all understanding because we accept God’s protection and understand that He, above all others, is able.

Today and always, live to honor God, allow Him to direct your paths, and accept His gift of peace; in other words…relax.

This week I had a hard time choosing music.  I have several versions of this song and, in times of difficulty, often play them all in succession.  I decided to include both of these due to the difference in perspective.  May they bless you as much as they do me.