I've heard Psalm 46:10 thrown around a lot -- "be still and know that I am God."
But I'd never read the NASB version of the verse until recently: "Cease striving and know that I am God." Cease striving. To strive: make great efforts to achieve something. Devote serious effort or energy to a task. In my life, striving looks like me trying to achieve perfection, to earn approval from God and others, to devote serious time and energy to managing my image so others like me. Some days the striving seems harmless, even beneficial: striving to complete a project or to do list or inbox zero. But it's easy for the goal of those strivings to be all about me- for my own peace of mind, and not for the glory of God or the serving of others. But in the context of the rest of Psalm 46, "cease striving" reminds me to quit being like God, as I attempt to grasp for control over situations where I have none, and the ability to make decisions when I am not the one in authority. He's the one created the mighty mountains and roaring waters. He can raise His voice and melt the earth. He will be exalted over nations. Yet, he is with us; he is our refuge, a place to which we can run when in trouble. "Cease striving" reminds me I really have no control over anything- my current circumstances, or my future plans. My only hope is in God alone; I can do nothing but give Him glory for what he has done.
1 Comment
|
Amy WellnerEncouraging others to intentionally live out their God-given identity. Archives
September 2022
Categories
All
|