Be still.

I love a good cup of coffee.

Honestly, when we started Grace Café, one of the draws for me was the ability to combine four of the things I love the most in life; The Lord, my family, my church, and coffee.

I started drinking coffee when I was a freshman in college.  I would spend long hours drinking coffee and writing papers that I should have started about a week earlier.  I used to get the coffee jitters (not so much anymore).

In my amateur coffee drinking days, coffee could keep me up and night and make me antsy.

Now, Ironically, a good cup of coffee in the evening is comforting.

My reaction to coffee has changed.

In some ways, the same is true of my relationship with God.

Before I trusted in Christ, the whole idea of God made me squirm.  I remember reading the Book of Revelation, and it terrified me, I didn’t sleep for 3 days.

David illustrates how different people have very different reactions to the presence and power of God.

To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. 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 gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,  though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.  God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. (Psalm 46:1-5 ESV)

For Israel, God was a Comforter.  While the world around God’s chosen was in turmoil, David says that the presence of God was a present help in troubled times.

For the nations who trusted in false idols, the presence of God wasn’t so comforting.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.  The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah  Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.  He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, 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 fortress. Selah (Psalm 46:6-11 ESV)

The nations rage.  They cause and experience violence.  They are at war with God.

You don’t have to be a military tactician to know Who wins.

Interestingly, when God says, “Be still and know that I am God,” most commentators don’t think that God is speaking to believers.

Rather, the idea is that God is bringing the ruckus, raging, warring nations to stillness. 

There will come a day when God will put all the petty squabbles to rest.

The contrast is stark.

Those who know the voice of the Lord are comforted by His presence.

For those who don’t, the voice of God comes thundering through the chaos they have made, and, finally, they are caused to be still.

Keep safe, be well, and stay encouraged.

Brian