I have three grandchildren, who live with me. Finding time to be still, for them or me, is something that doesn’t just happen unless everyone is sleeping. When the little ones are awake and about, there is a lot of “unstillness” going on. Their “unstillness” in turn leads to my “unstillness”, whether that be in my mind or physically. Trying to predict what they may do next, making sure that nothing is flushed that shouldn’t be flushed, grabbing that cup or glass of water before it is knocked over by the one-year-old, the list goes on. A lot of time its reacting to the chaos. But I love them and would not change a thing!

Living in this world is a lot like that. It seems that the crazy chaos of things is very loud, and we can easily find ourselves reacting, at times even over-reacting, causing us to become affected by it in very negative ways, physically, mentally, and or spiritually.

What should one do when the world and life is like it is today- Unstill and Unstable? Political unrest, Culture unrest, Wars and Conflict in the Middle East, conflicts about vaccines and masks, supply chain issues, gender issues, who should you listen to, where should you get your facts and information?

The world and its issues are very loud and disconcerting. There is more than enough fear, mistrust, and anxiety to go around, but who wants to live a life that is overly affected by the craziness that encloses us?

Psalm 46 is a great text to meditate on regarding these load chaotic issues.

The Psalmist writes about the loudness of the world and how that we need to learn that there are certain things that we just cannot do anything about. Instead of reacting with fear and anxiety we should rest in the fact that God is in control and let God be God.

The Psalmist uses elements of contrast to get this point across. First he states without question, that God is indeed a God that cares.

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

 

There is a lot of noise and craziness that accompanies the events listed in verse 2-3

But even during the “unstillness”, God is presently available. His presence is a refuge, and he can accomplish what we are unable to- provide peace in our hearts during loud, crazy, “unstill” times.

Verses 6-9 gives more examples of the distresses of living in this world.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.

 

Verse 10 is one of my most favorite verses in the Bible, especially in times where things are too loud and crazy for me.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

There are times when we find ourselves asking God why things are happening to me, or to my loved ones. We begin dwelling on the fear and sadness of what has happened and what may happen and then the big questions, “God, why don’t you hear me?”  “God why have you left me?”

God does hear, and he is always present. However, we don’t understand how He works, and He knows that.

God knows what you and I are going through, He understands that pain, He knows what that heartache feels like, He even knows what death feels like.

 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:15-16

There are times when we need to stand up and fight against the chaos, but then there are times when we need to stop reacting to the loud craziness of this world, be still, and let God be God.