Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am GOD: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Summary
Psalms 46 is one of the great psalms of GOD’s people. According to Wikipedia, Psalms 46 is often recited as part of Jewish, Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant liturgical services. Many worshippers may not remember the psalm number, but many recall hearing “GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” many, many, many times throughout their worship years.
Some who have written about “Be Still” note that in Hebrew the root word for this phrase is “raphah,” which translates as “faint” or “to drop; to let go.” See, “Be Still and Know that I am God by Jennifer Ross,” https://www.torahclass.com/archived-articles/404-be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god-by-jennifer-ross Ross suggest that this verse is Hebrew “poetry” meant to suggest that a person must “drop-down or let go” so that GOD can be lifted up.
Some believe that Psalms 46:10 is a message to the enemies of GOD. They point to the part of the verse that states: “I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. They believe that this verse is a warning to heathen nations or the enemies of GOD that they should “put down their arms” “cease fighting” and just “stop” because, they can’t win against GOD, so it is useless to fight GOD’s people.
Others believe that Psalms 46:10 is a message to GOD’s people. This is a message for those “fixer” or “problem solver” believers. These are the ones who are used to fixing problems and “figuring out things” for so long that when the “impossible” and the “unfixable” comes along, they spend hours looking for solutions. They experience a great deal of frustration when all their human efforts fail.
Psalms 46:10 is also a message for those “worriers” and “wondering” believers.” We worriers can’t understand why GOD “isn’t doing something right now. And sometimes, if the truth be told, we “wonder if GOD is going to show up at all” or “wonder how GOD is going to fix it.” We worry. We are anxious. To me, and to others like me, GOD says “BE STILL.”
Psalms 46:10 is also a message to those who think the battle is already lost---since “Lazarus (or another loved one) is already dead.” [See John 11] They already lost their house in the fire/earthquake or the flood has already done its damage. Everything “is a mess” even though they thought they were doing everything they were supposed to do. The enemy has wreaked havoc within their lives--with their families, their property, and even their bodies. These are the “JOB believers.” To them, the message is still “BE STILL and know that I am GOD.” And, remember “I will be exalted in the earth.” These are the believers who may “never know” why? These are the believers that may never understand why they or their children seem to be the targets of spiritual warfare or figure out why their loved one was taken. (See Job 39). Psalms 46:1-3 reminds us that “GOD IS our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” even when physical sight, physical pain, and present circumstances suggest otherwise. GOD’s message is ??
“BE STILL” is surrendering everything (our fears, our worries, our anxiety, and all of those human things we hide behind to “appear together”) to GOD in order to be led by GOD. We drop down so that GOD can be lifted up.
“BE STILL” is a spiritual core exercise of faith in GOD.
Be Still and Exercise
To many the idea of that one can “be still” and “exercise” seems like an oxymoron—a kind of self-contradiction. Most people think of exercise as being constant movement or action. It may be what many people dislike about exercise, the fact that they have to “move so much.”
Some exercises, called Isometric exercises, still provide a workout. Here are just a few:
- Low Plank: Get on all fours, with your forearms on the floor, and your body in a straight line from your head to your heels. You will be balancing on the tips of your toes. Brace your core and looking straight ahead hold the position as you clench your glutes. Hold until fatigued and repeat.
A high plank is the start of a push-up position that is held. - Hollow Body Hold: Lie on your back with your arms behind you and your legs straight out in front of you. Looking at your feet, pinch your shoulders back, and flatten out your back so there is no space between your lower back and the floor. Engage your core so that with your arms and feet raised your body is in a gentle “C” shape. Hold until fatigued and repeat.
Breathe deeply as you press your hand together, maintaining and holding still your posture. - Wall Sit: With your back against the wall (put a pillow on the floor under you, if necessary), place your feet about a foot from the wall. Now slowly slide down the wall a few inches at a time, keeping your low back in contact with the wall. As you slide down, hold still at intervals and count up to 10 before going down further. If you can, get into a “sitting in an imaginary” chair position, next make a fist with your left hand and cover that fist with your right hand in your sitting chair position, and relax. Hold until fatigued. Slide back up onto the floor or rise up and repeat the process again.
According to Mayo Clinic, isometric exercises help maintain strength. Because they are done in one position, “without movement,” they improve strength in one position. They often help with stability and core. See, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/isometric-exercises/faq-20058186. Mayo Clinic states that some studies have shown that isometric exercises may help lower blood pressure or a helpful exercise for those with arthritis; however, they still suggest that if you have high blood pressure (or any medical problem, including heart problems) you first consult your physician about doing an isometric exercise program. According to the above-referenced Mayo Clinic article, holding your breath or straining during weight isometric training can sometimes cause blood pressure to spike.
Core Building
GOD wants to strengthen our spiritual core. Not for our glory, but for HIS. But, we must surrender. We must fall so HE can rise.
Exercise comes in many forms. Isometric exercises are just another way to build strength and improve our physical core.
Pray we all gain greater physical and spiritual health.
“BE STILL” and BE BLESSED!
