Through the centuries, the book of Psalms has been a huge comfort to generations of God’s people. In particular, I have heard Psalm 46 quoted hundreds of times in recent weeks. Verse 10, towards the end of that Psalm, for me, really sums up an important message we need to hear again as a society during the Covid-19 crisis affecting so many around the world. “Be still and know that I am God.”
Over the course of the next few days, I’d like to take some time with you to pause, to reflect, and to receive the comfort held out to us by these eight amazing words.
As we search the Scriptures, we find that people use a variety of names for God. Surely, that’s because it’s impossible to sum up the beautiful character and the almighty deeds of God with a single name. The three-letter word, God, comes to us again and again. Yet, underneath that, in the original languages of Hebrew and Greek, there is a richness and a range of meaning, which goes some way towards helping us grasp the power and presence of God. In behind the mention of God in this verse, is the Hebrew name, Elohim. It first appears in the opening statement of the whole Bible; Genesis chapter 1, verse 1, where we read, “In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.”
As our Creator, God – Elohim – knows every cell and sinew of our being. Just pause for a moment. In the quietness, think about that. And, as you do, give thanks for His attention to detail, and His love for you, who are the work of His hands.
As our Creator, God knows precisely what we need at every moment in time. As our Creator, God looks deep into our minds and our hearts. He sees and feels the joys and the sorrows, the high points and the anxieties.
But, that name, Elohim, also appears in the second book of the Bible – the book of Exodus – where it speaks about Him being the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the God Who is faithful down through history. Just as God has been loyal to people in the past, so He is with us right here and now. Again, just take a moment to reflect on the enormity of that promise, and to be thankful that God is with you.
What reassurance we can draw from these images of God. But we can go even further still. Not only is God our Father and Creator, the Faithful One Who is with each and every generation. But, when we come into the New Testament, we hear Jesus describe Himself as the Son of God – the Son of Elohim. He is the One Who gave His own life that we might have forgiveness for all the ways in which we fail daily. How remarkable that is. Receive now the grace he offers you.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Prayer
God – Elohim – Creator – Lord of history – Faithful One – Saviour – Ever present Friend. In the quietness of this moment, we give thanks for the many ways in which You have shown Yourself to women and men down through the centuries. Now, please draw very close to us; look into our hearts and minds; bear our burdens and share our sorrows. Give to us your joy, that it may be a strength for us through these difficult days. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
