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Christian Attitudes
No.1.
Relaxation.
pp. 131 - 133
"Be still and know that I am God" (Psa. 46: 10).
In his series in The Berean Expositor on the Psalms, Stuart Allen drew attention to
many interesting features of this Psalm (B.E. volume 50:, p.164). He points out that
Psalms 46:-48: form a trilogy and he comments on the prophetical aspect, as the
Psalmist looks forward to the time when war will cease, and this must relate to the second
coming of our Lord.
The Companion Bible gives the following outline:
1. God our refuge
2, 3. Danger defied (earth moved, waters roar)
4, 5. Zion defended
6. Danger defied (heathen raged, earth melted)
7. God our refuge
8. Works seen (Behold God's works, earth desolate)
9. Wars ended
10. Himself known (know God--His exaltation--earth)
11. God our refuge
The Psalm commences with "God is our refuge and strength" and in verses 7 and 11,
we have the refrain, "The Lord of hosts is with us: the God of Jacob is our refuge".
The refuge in verse 1 is a place of refuge, a place to which one flees. A different word
is used in verses 7 and 11, which means a high place, a tower, or an impregnable place.
The Psalmist describes a scene of great trouble, the removing of the earth, the roaring
of the waters, but he contrasts this with the peaceful scene in the holy city, where streams
of the river bring joy and gladness. God is there. The city will not be moved.
Then a different scene is set. The heathen rage, the kingdoms are moved. He utters
His voice and the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our
refuge.
A description of a peaceful scene follows. He maketh wars to cease, the bow is
broken, the spear is cut asunder, the chariot is burnt. Then comes the words which we
wish to consider "Be still and know that I am God".
We live in difficult days, and there is trouble all over the world. The pressures of life
affect us all and there are times when we need a word of comfort. In the business world,