"Be Still"

The River of Life: Finding Refuge in God's Presence

In times of trouble, where do we turn? When the foundations of our lives seem to crumble and the storms of life rage around us, is there a place of safety and strength? The answer lies in an ancient psalm that speaks profoundly to our modern hearts: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

This powerful declaration reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, we have a steadfast anchor in God. Even if the earth itself were to give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, we need not fear. Why? Because there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.

This river is not a physical body of water, but a spiritual reality that flows from the very throne of God. It's a river of life, hope, and renewal that can refresh our weary souls. Jesus himself spoke of this river when he said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:37-38).

The image of this life-giving river invites us to consider: Have we truly tapped into this source of divine refreshment? Or have we allowed the cares of this world to dam up the flow of God's Spirit in our lives?

Too often, we find ourselves operating with our spiritual faucets barely turned on, letting only a trickle of God's presence flow through us. We come to church, sing the songs, hear the message, but do we truly open ourselves to the full force of God's river in our lives? What would happen if we turned that faucet wide open and allowed the rushing waters of God's Spirit to flow freely through us?

The psalmist declares, "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns" (Psalm 46:5). This reminds us that God is not distant or detached from our struggles. He is present, active, and ready to help us at just the right time. He is an "on-time" God, always there when we need Him most.

Consider the story of King Hezekiah, who faced a seemingly insurmountable threat from the Assyrian army. Instead of giving in to fear, Hezekiah took the threatening letter he received and spread it out before the Lord in the temple. He laid his problem at God's feet, trusting in divine intervention. The result? God fought the battle for him, and 185,000 Assyrian troops were defeated overnight.

This account echoes another powerful story from the life of the prophet Elisha. When surrounded by enemy forces, Elisha's servant was terrified. But Elisha prayed, "O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see" (2 Kings 6:17). Suddenly, the servant saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them – God's heavenly army, far outnumbering their foes.

These stories remind us that often, our greatest need is not for circumstances to change, but for our spiritual eyes to be opened. We need to see the unseen, to recognize God's presence and power even in the midst of our trials.

Perhaps the most profound invitation in this psalm comes in verse 10: "Be still, and know that I am God." In our fast-paced, always-connected world, stillness can feel like a foreign concept. But it is in stillness that we often encounter God most powerfully.

To "be still" means more than just physical quietness. It means to cease striving, to stop resisting God's work in our lives. It's an invitation to surrender, to let go of our need for control and to trust in God's sovereign care.

This stillness is not passive; it's an active choice to focus our hearts and minds on the reality of who God is. It's in these moments of holy stillness that we can truly "know" God – not just intellectually, but experientially. We come to understand His character, His love, and His power in deeply personal ways.

For some, this call to stillness may be an invitation to salvation. Perhaps you've known about God in your head, but you've never truly surrendered your heart to Him. Today could be the day you stop resisting and allow His saving grace to flood your soul.

For others, the call to be still might be about letting go of a besetting sin or a stubborn area of disobedience. It's an opportunity to yield to God's conviction and allow His transforming power to work in your life.

And for many, being still is simply about reconnecting with God's presence. It's about turning off the noise of the world and tuning in to the gentle whisper of His voice. It's about remembering, like Brother Danny after his heart surgery, that nothing compares to what Jesus has done for us.

As we learn to be still and know God, we discover a profound truth: He will be exalted. Whether through our willing praise or through the very rocks crying out, God's glory will be made known. The question is, will we join in that exaltation? Will we allow our lives to become vessels through which His glory flows?

The invitation stands today: Come to the river. Open the floodgates of your heart and let God's presence flow freely. Be still, and know the God who is your refuge and strength. Allow His living water to refresh your soul, empower your life, and overflow to a thirsty world around you.

In a world of chaos and uncertainty, there is a peace that surpasses understanding. There is a strength that never fails. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. And that river is available to you today.