Summary
In this powerful exploration of Psalm 46, we’re invited to delve into the profound concept of ‘being still’ in our spiritual lives. The message challenges our common misconceptions about stillness, revealing that it’s not about physical inactivity or a temporary state, but a constant spiritual condition flowing from our knowledge of God. We’re encouraged to see that being still is the result, not the cause, of knowing God deeply. The psalm paints a vivid picture of God as our strong refuge, ever-present help, unshakable dwelling, and gracious stronghold. These attributes of God are beautifully illustrated through the metaphor of a river sustaining a besieged city, symbolizing God’s constant provision even in our darkest times. This message prompts us to examine our lives: Where do we run in times of trouble? Do we truly know God, or just know about Him? It’s a call to trust in God’s character and promises, even when our world seems to be falling apart.
Key Scripture
Psalm 46
Opening Discussion
What does the phrase “Be still” mean to you? How easy or difficult do you find it to be still in your daily life?
Key Takeaways
- Being still is not the cause of peace, joy, or life, but the result of knowing God.
- God is revealed as: a. A strong refuge b. A present help c. An unshakable dwelling d. A gracious stronghold
- Our inability to be still stems from either not knowing God or not trusting Him.
Discussion Questions
- In what ways might you be seeking help rather than the Helper in your spiritual journey?
- How does understanding God as a “strong refuge” impact your approach to life’s challenges?
- What or who do you typically run to in times of trouble?
- What small or large things have you not trusted Him with?
- The sermon highlighted God as an “ever-present help.” Share a time when you experienced God’s presence in a difficult situation.
- Discuss the metaphor and prophecy of the river in Psalm 46. How does this image encourage you in times of trouble? (Example: we are and never will be without a life-giving source)
- It was said that “If we can’t be still, it’s one of two things. Either we don’t know God or we don’t trust God.”
- Which of these do you think is more common in your life or in the lives of those around you?
- How does the story of Jacob (Israel) demonstrate God’s grace? How does this relate to your own life? (Example: we desperately try to do it on our own and continuously forget His desire to provide for us)
- Reflect on the Exodus story mentioned at the end of the sermon.
- How can we apply the command to “be still” in our own lives when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?
- How can the concept of God fighting for us while we ‘be still’ transform our approach to life’s challenges?
- How might your daily life change if you truly embraced the idea of ‘being still’ as a result of knowing God rather than a task to accomplish?
- Where do I need to Be Still?
- Where do I need to trust God? Where do you struggle trusting Him?
Practical Applications
- Knowledge Challenge: Commit to spending time each day this week learning about an aspect of God’s character through Scripture study.
- Trust Exercise: Identify an area of your life where you’re struggling to trust God. Write it down and pray about it daily, asking God to help you “be still” in this area.
- Stillness Practice: Set aside 10 minutes each day this week for silent reflection and prayer, focusing on being still in God’s presence.
- Share Your Story: Think of a time when you experienced God as your refuge, help, dwelling, or stronghold. Share this testimony with someone this week.
Closing Prayer
Lord, help us to truly know You and trust You. Teach us to be still, knowing that You are God. May we find our refuge, help, dwelling, and stronghold in You alone. Give us the strength to cease striving and surrender our troubles to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Supporting Scripture
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some suggested relevant verses for general themes discussed:
Explicitly Mentioned:
- Psalm 46 (entire chapter, focus on verses 1-11)
- Genesis 1 (reference to God calling creation “very good”)
- Joshua 1:9 (alluded to, not directly quoted)
- Matthew 28:20 (alluded to, not directly quoted)
- Revelation 22:1-2
- Genesis 32:22-32 (Jacob wrestling with God, not directly cited)
- Exodus 14:13-14
Themes and Relevant Verses:
- God as refuge and strength:
- Psalm 18:2
- Proverbs 18:10
- God’s presence:
- Deuteronomy 31:6
- Hebrews 13:5
- Trusting God in difficult circumstances:
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Isaiah 41:10
- Being still and knowing God:
- Psalm 37:7
- Isaiah 30:15
- God’s grace and transformation:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- God fighting on behalf of His people:
- Deuteronomy 3:22
- 2 Chronicles 20:15
- Surrendering to God:
- James 4:7
- Romans 12:1-2
- God as an unshakable foundation:
- Matthew 7:24-25
- 1 Corinthians 3:11