Be Still

Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

Psalm 46:10

We are living in unprecedented times. The spread of COVID-19 has led to a mass shutdown of major industries across the United States and much of the world. There are no sports, no concerts, no school, no shopping, no restaurants, no going to church, and no work (unless you can do so online). This virus has changed the way we go about our everyday lives. It has forced us to be still.

I believe there is a reason for that.

Now, I believe that God is fully in control of the situation. He is aware of the virus and how serious it is. He knows what each of us are going through and how every one of us has been affected by the virus. Romans 8:28 states:

“We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

This verse doesn’t mean we will not experience hard times. Rather, if we love God, even the difficult times can be used for good. Even something as horrible as a pandemic can be a blessing.

Think about it. In just a couple of weeks, almost everything we have idolized as a culture – sports, money, celebrity, work, etc. – has been shut down. We now have more time than ever to refocus on the things that truly matter in life, such as spending time with family, working out our faith, and helping those who are in need.

As I consider what has happened, I cannot help but think of Psalm 46:10,

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Too often we only focus on the first part of that verse. We are okay with saying “be still” in order to get to know God. However, I feel like the verse looses its power we we cut out the second part. This verse is not a suggestion to be still and seek out God in our devotional times. It is a command. God is ordering us to be still so that He may be exalted.

God has brought the entire world to a standstill. He has removed many of the false idols of our culture so that He may be exalted – so that the world might know Him. Sadly, it seems that many are ignoring this opportunity, running headfirst into the panic, and grasping at whatever idols of our culture still remain.

Let me encourage you to take this opportunity to know and exalt God in your own life. Whether it be in using the extra free time to read the Bible a bit more, set up time for prayer and worship, going out and finding ways you can share the love of God with others, donating goods to people who can no longer afford to buy them, or donating time to help your community (provided you can practice social distancing). As a first step, take time today to share something that you are thankful for during this trying time.

Whatever you decide to do, give God the glory, and be a good example of someone who understands that God is in control of the situation and this too shall pass.