Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Daily DevotionalSample

Context of Conflict Most of us have heard this verse before: "Be still, and know that I am God." We regard this as one of those familiar favorites that we like to quote, especially when it comes to our quiet time with the Lord. It evokes images of a peaceful pasture, a babbling brook, or a quaint countryside. But we tend to not be as familiar with the actual context of this passage. The context of this statement isn't the sedate or serene setting that we so often associate it with. On the contrary, the surrounding context in Psalm 46 describes a world that has been set aflame with war, and where God is introduced to us as the only One capable of quenching the conflict. So what? What does this context of conflict tell us about this passage? It tells us that when turmoil and calamity surround us and threaten our very existence, it's then and there that we need to fight our natural instinct to worry. How? By being still and knowing that God is who He is, and by recognizing that He alone can quench the fires of conflict that are burning around us. Our first reaction to trouble tends to be to run or take up arms to fight. But when we stop and still ourselves before Almighty God, His pervasive power, peace, and providence is demonstrated in our lives. Be still and know that God is God, not just when it's calm and convenient, but when the fire is raging, the storm is swirling, and you find your own life to be in the context of conflict. Help us to be still before you Lord, not just in tranquil times but in turbulent times, as well. When turmoil and calamity surround us and threaten our very existence,we need to fight our natural instinct to worry by being still and knowing that God is who He is,and He is in control. Think about it... What does this passage reveal to me about God? What does this passage reveal to me about myself? Based on this, what changes do I need to make? What is my prayer for today?