Be Still-Part 3

The word translated “be still” comes from the Hebrew term raphah. This word is found in various forms in the Old Testament, with different shades of meaning. It refers to that which is slack, or to let drop, or in some instances, to be disheartened or weak. When used of a person it often has a negative connotation. Interestingly, “be weak” is the phrase being used here. Instead of condemning Moses is simply saying, “Be quiet and let God be God and let Him do His work.” 

In 2 Kings 19:19 Hezekiah readily admits he is powerless when he prays, “Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the Lord God, even thou only.”
 

Activity is no sure sign of progress. In fact, Jesus commended Mary because she sat quietly at His feet, and He condemned Martha because she was too busy.
"And know" is the greatest revelation that can come to any soul. Sometimes God requires us to wait before we work, sit before we serve, and know before we can teach. When God declares, "That I am God", He is simply saying, “I am whatever you need when you need it the most.”


There are 3 parts to this song and each part is a different way to know God. 



A. Be still and know Him as the Refuge-Verses 1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”




- He is a personal refuge-Verse 1"God is our refuge"


a. Nations find refuge in battalions and battleships.


b. Lost men find refuge in positions and possessions
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c. Battalions can be defeated.


d. Battleships can be sunk.

e. Positions can be taken away.

f. Possessions can be lost.


Yet "God" (Elohim) is our refuge. Elohim is the word for the Triune God so the enemy will have to go thru all Three to get us.


-He is a powerful Refuge-Verse 1 says "a very present help in trouble."


a. "Trouble" literally means "in tight places."


b. "Present help" means right now
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c. "Very" means "speedily". I thought, "How can you be better than present which means "right now"? Well, God has no problem with time because you can see it does not say "in the time of trouble." God has the help already there before the trouble arises.

-A permanent Refuge. Verses 2 and 3 give us four "Thoughs" illustrating that even if the whole world is destroyed, when all the noise subsides and all the dust settles, he will still be standing because God is his refuge.



“Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”