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Knowing God

22Oct

Take the time to read Psalm 46 to yourself.

Verse 10 of Psalm 46 is a beloved reminder to “Be still and know that I am God.” In our busyness, we forget God. We often have to still ourselves in order to remind ourselves of who He is.

The rest of the psalm describes the kind of God that He is. If you pause to think about it, it’s pretty astounding.

First, see in Psalm 46 that God is a refuge and strength. The psalmist describes many worst-case scenarios: mountains crumbling, waters rising, nations raging, and the earth melting. What does this mean? Even if the worst things happen, we will not fear. Why? God Himself protects us. God Himself gives us His infinite strength. He is with us as a fortress.

Second, see how it is that God acts in verses 8-9. God defeats all His enemies. God is a refuge for His people, and a destroyer to those who oppose Him.

We tend to have a picture of God as far-off, and unconcerned with our lives. If He is concerned, it is only for our feelings, for the spiritual life in our heads. But the Bible presents a God who is active, who is watching, and who destroys His enemies.

C.S. Lewis, in his Narnia stories, uses Aslan the lion as a picture of this. At one point, the girl Susan is about to meet Aslan, and is nervous that he might not be safe. This is part her conversation with about it with Mr. Beaver:

Mr. Beaver: “Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion."

"Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he - quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion…"

“Safe?" said Mr Beaver... "Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

Our God is not tame or safe; He wars and destroys His enemies. And this is good. He is good.

The places He leads His people are not always safe. But He is good, and is with them as He leads.

  • Be still for the next few moments, and think to yourself about who God is. The Father is our Father in Heaven. The Son came to earth, lived the sinless life you have not lived, died the death for sin that you deserve, defeated sin and death in His resurrection, and now is seated in Heaven as king. The Holy Spirit lives in Christians to guide us, direct us, convict us of sin, help us understand the Bible, and more. Thank God for all of these things.
  • Have you taken refuge in God through Jesus Christ? The only way to find refuge from the penalty for your sins is through faith in Jesus Christ. Have you trusted that He is who He says He is and that He died for you? Have you committed yourself to repent of sin and follow after Him? If not, what prevents you from doing this?
  • Remember that God is good, but not safe. He often leads us into difficult situations, yet He is able to give His strength to allow us to be faithful even in the difficulty. What are you going through that is difficult? How can you rely on God’s strength through that circumstance?

Bible Study

Posted by Daniel Murphy

Daniel has served on staff since 2020 as associate pastor. His primary responsibilities include leadership in musical worship and in student ministry. Daniel also serves as a chaplain in the Alabama Army National Guard.

Daniel is a native of Baldwin County, Daniel received a Bachelor’s of Science (Music Industry) from Troy University and a Master’s of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Daniel is married to Emily, and they have three children: Jason (19), Johanna (5), and Elizabeth (>1).

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