Psalm 46, verse 10 says: “Be still and know that I am God.”
Yesterday, we learned that the Hebrew word here, which underpins the name, God, is Elohim. He is our Creator, the Lord of history, and, in Jesus Christ, our Saviour.
Today, I want to pause with you and reflect on the words, “I am.” For someone familiar with the Bible, the mind immediately runs to those seven sayings of Jesus sprinkled throughout John’s Gospel. “I am…the Bread of Life…the Light of the World…the Gate for the sheep…the Good Shepherd…the Resurrection and the Life…the Way, the Truth, and the Life…the True Vine.”
Bread of Life: Christ provides for our needs.
Light of the World: Christ guides us when confused.
Gate for the Sheep: Christ promises to welcome and watch over us.
Good Shepherd: Christ searches for the lost and brings them home.
Resurrection and Life: Christ has conquered death. Hallelujah.
Way, Truth, and Life: Christ calls us to follow Him.
True Vine: Christ connects us to the life-giving power of God.
If you are looking for a pattern for your prayers, there it is.
Why don’t you take one of these sayings as the basis for your devotions each day?
You’ll find that you come to the end of each week the richer for it.
The Hebrew Scriptures also make mention of the phrase, “I AM.” You may recall this from the story of Moses in Exodus chapter 3. In the midst of the wilderness, Moses came upon a bush that seemed to be on fire, and yet was not consumed. From that bush, came the voice and command of God. He spoke of Himself as YHWH, roughly translated, “I am Who I am.” Whenever you see the word, “LORD,” in capital letters, when reading your Bible, it is this special and holy name for God that is being used. YHWH.
Say it with me…slowly…and, as you do…breathe in and out very gently. YHWH.
YHWH – the LORD – the Great I AM – is closer than the very air that we breathe. Remember that the next time you are in need, feel confused, are fearful or hurting.
“Be still and know that I AM…”
Prayer
Almighty God – Elohim – YHWH – the Great I AM.
We bring our needs, and those of our world before You right now.
We ask that You shed light on the path of those who feel perplexed.
We pray that they find You to be a safe haven.
That those Who feel lost in the turmoil of these times, will know that You care.
Especially, we bring to You those who have lost loved ones, or who sit at the bedside of those who are seriously ill.
May the promise of new life in Christ be a comfort, which holds out hope.
Let the message and ministry of Christ, connect those who are seeking answers to difficult questions to the One True God.
And, through trusting in Jesus, may we come to know YHWH, the One in Whom we live and move and have our being.
AMEN.
