Be Still

BE STILL

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

God is our refuge and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come

and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

A river brings joy to the city of our God,

the sacred home of the Most High.

God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.

From the very break of day, God will protect it.

The nations are in chaos,

and their kingdoms crumble!

God’s voice thunders,

and the earth melts!

The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel is our fortress.

Come, see the glorious works of the LORD:

See how he brings destruction upon the world.

He causes wars to end throughout the earth.

He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God!

I will be honored by every nation.

I will be honored throughout the world.”

The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;

the God of Israel is our fortress.

Sometimes watching the evening news feels like having a front-row seat to the end of the world. Civil wars rage; hundreds of millions of people are hungry, lack clean water, and have been driven from their homes; and natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and volcanic eruptions relentlessly destroy entire communities. How do we respond? Do we fall into despair? Do we let fear paralyze us and cause us to withdraw? In this psalm, God tells us to be still and release our fear because he is with us, he is in control, and his goodness will prevail. How might our lives be shaped if we were to release our fears and remember God’s reign, presence, and goodness?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• What events, tragedies, and disasters in the world make you afraid for your family, the world, or the future? What are you afraid of? Why are you afraid?
• Is there something currently causing fear in your family, workplace, community, or church? What is it? How can you, as a follower of Jesus, help combat the escalation of fear around that particular issue?

Lord, I want to make decisions based on love, not fear. I want to say words brought about by love, not fear. I want my life to point people to love, not fear. Help me see where fear has a hold on me so I can release that fear to you. Help me become someone who de-escalates fear when it flares and brings encouragement when hope fades. May your love cast out every fear, and may your peace cover every worry. Amen.