Be silent and know that I am God!

“Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 NLT

I have always remembered the other verse that you must be still and know God. But Psalm 46 gives us a direct quote: be silent and know that I am God!

Remember when God appeared to Elijah? God was not in the thunderous storm, God was not in the blasting wind, God was not in the rumbling earthquake and God was not in the roaring fire. God was in the silence. That is when Elijah fell on his face and worshipped. [See I Kings 19: 11-13]

How silent are you for God? Right now, is it silent where you are? Or do you have music going or the television in the background? Have you ever spent a few minutes in silence with God?

Let's try this today. Find a quiet place. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Just be in God's presence, not talking to God but just being still and listening, waiting.

God may have something to say to you in the silence.

Be silent and know that I am God! Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims

World Peace

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world and causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two; he burns the shields with fire. Psalm 46: 8-9 NLT

Okay, these verses are a strange combination. What kind of visual is this: God brings destruction on the earth and causes wars to end. Does this mean that God's violence far outweighs ours? Now that is a frightening thought!

The psalmist says that God breaks the bow, snaps the spear in two and burns the shields with fire. All the weapons are gone, completely destroyed by God. When I prayed for world peace, I was not thinking in these terms.

But the whole section begins by saying that these works are glorious. Even though God is acting in a violent manner, the outcome of God's actions will be wonderful. There will be peace over all the earth.

Will God someday destroy all our nuclear arsenals, our guns, our knives, and our chemical weapons?

That would be the new earth we read about in the Book of Revelation. That would be a true era of peace.

Come, Lord Jesus, come! Bring glory and peace to your whole creation. Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims

God is With You

A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it at the break of the day. The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:4-7 NLT

God is right where you are this very moment.

For the Israelites, God was in Jerusalem. And as long as God resided there, that city would always stand. Even when other nations were falling apart around them, they knew that God would protect their city.

God is with you right now. That does not mean that you will not die, nor avoid injury, illness or being hurt. But you – the inner most being you – will never be destroyed. No matter what drama happens around you, no matter how others feel threatened and lost, God will anchor you and keep you with him.

Trust God and stand firm and God's presence.

The Lord Almighty is here with me; God is my fortress. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims

God is our Refuge and Strength

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Psalm 46 1-3 NLT

Can you say that you will not be afraid whatever happens?

That is what the psalmist says to do. Because God is the ultimate protection and is always there with us, we should not be afraid. Even if we are caught in an earthquake, a tsunami or a tornado. Let nature roar! Go ahead and have bad weather – our trust is in God and God alone.

Now, the psalmist does not say to stand still and watch everything happen. You can still grab your loved ones and head to higher ground or a shelter. But don't be afraid.

What troubles are surrounding you today? Is the ground shaking beneath your feet? Do you see the waves rise up above your head? You may have to do some moving and seek shelter. But there is one thing you will not have to do: be afraid.

Do not fear. Trust in God, your refuge and strength.

God, you are our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge. We trust you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2011  Amelia G. Sims