Be Still And Know

Our God is reigning. Be still and know. Be still. Do not panic.

panic - sudden overwhelming fear, with or without cause, that produces hysterical or irrational behavior, and that often spreads quickly through a group of persons or animals.

God's people never need to panic. Indeed, with or without cause, we should not panic. Here is why:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.

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

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.   ~ Psalm 46

I was just praying with my husband yesterday about the trials this world is facing (and indeed the whole of this globe is facing the impact of covid-19) and we were agreeing with scripture: this is the time for the Church to display the perfect peace we have in Him. The world NEEDS to see us demonstrate that we are in perfect peace. Not in perfect panic (a bit of an oxymoron there!) Humanity will naturally find the panic mode; it is as natural as natural can be. But perfect peace is only from God. The world needs peace right now because the world needs God.

Grief and fear are all around. It is true, this is a devastating situation. There is plenty of real cause today, March 13, 2020 for panic, genuine cause. But for Christians there is an even more real, genuine cause for perfect peace.

Should we still take care, have concern, make provision for avoiding sickness and the resulting outcome of a pandemic? Of course we should! But panic does not conflate with pro-active precautions. Panic is not reasonable response. It is irrational behavior. And as Christians we should carry peace in our hearts to offer others in every place we go, every situation we encounter. In the aisles of the grocery store, at the counter of our pharmacies, in the schools and places of business, bring peace.

I am grieving with those who have already been sorely impacted by this pandemic. Yet, strange as it seems, I am also rejoicing in the midst of this because I absolutely believe God is with us. And I also whole-heartedly believe that He is on the move. I am praying that His name will be glorified. How wonderful and confounding. And I want to be a part of that. 

I absolutely do NOT wholly understand all of the WHY for this. I absolutely do NOT wholly understand all of WHAT the outcome will be. But I absolutely DO wholly understand that He works ALL things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

So please - do be wise. Look ahead. Use precaution in thinking of how to care for yourself, the vessel of God, and how to care for everyone around you. Quarantine when prudent, follow known safety procedures, get provisions to use and to generously share. But do so in perfect peace, led by His Holy Spirit to then lead others in finding such peace.

And above all, take time to be still and know that He is God. Forever and always.

May He be glorified. May we honor Him in even this. And may many many people find His peace in the midst of this world of tribulation.