To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult. SelahThere is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice; the earth melts.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. SelahCome, behold the works of the LORD;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations;
I am exalted in the earth.”
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
I think one of the most important things any of us can hear is the words, “Slow down.” “Pause.” maybe even “Stop!” It’s not like what we do doesn’t matter, including some of the hustle and bustle we get caught up in. Sometimes at least that seems to be necessary. And then there are more than enough things to chew one’s fingernails over. You name it, quite a long list of domestic and global concerns, not to mention all the things immediately before us which can carry us away in overmuch care and concern.
We need to hear again and again with God’s people of old the words of the psalmist here:
Be still, and know that I am God!
God will have God’s way and nothing will get in the way of that. And in faith ultimately together with the world as we see in this psalm, we will indeed be included in that.
So take a deep breath and more of them. And just settle into the stillness.