Be Still And Know That I Am God: Meaning And Explanation of Psalm 46:10

Psalm 46 brings us security and increases our confidence in God. This psalm is highly regarded in both evangelical and Catholic circles for its powerful message of trusting in the Lord and knowing that He protects us in the face of adversity. Within this psalm, verse 46:10 stands out, and is often quoted in various translations:

Be still, I am the Lord

According to some scholars, Psalm 46 was written by the sons of Korah during the reign of King David, although it contains passages from the declarations of King Hezekiah. The psalm was composed in a context of battle, after David defeated Israel's enemies.

This powerful psalm can be interpreted in two ways. It is futile to despair in the face of the enemy's attacks; the Lord is sovereign and will be exalted. Another interpretation is that Psalm 46:10 serves as a warning to the enemies: give up! I am the Lord and will be exalted.

In both interpretations, it is clear that when God says "be still," He comforts us and also exhorts us. A heart that trusts in God should be at peace even amidst tribulations (Luke 8:25).

Our God is sovereign; He loves us! We should not be moved by despair; God does not want us to respond to Him in fear. If you are in Christ, calm yourself; He will be exalted in our lives (2 Samuel 22:47). When the Lord of Hosts is in control of the battle, we can calm our hearts.

Also check out: How Much God Cares For You

He is Our Ever-present Help

The opening of Psalm 46 is incredibly powerful. It declares that God is our defense and protection. God is our refuge, and through His Word, we remain secure.

More important than knowing that there is help available is accessing it at the right time. Through Jesus, we have direct access to the Father, and in Him, we can shelter our hearts. He will always be available to cover us with His wings of love (Psalm 91:4).

Psalm 46:1 connects with other Psalms such as Psalm 18:2, where David declares, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer." These verses collectively show is that the Lord is our mighty stronghold for those who trust in Him.

As an interesting fact, Psalm 46:1 inspired the creation of the hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" in the Christian hymnal. This hymn was composed by Martin Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation. Here is the complete hymn:

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us;
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Also check out:

• Psalm 23 Explained Verse by Verse (A Bible Study)
• Psalm 27: A Bible Study On God's Protection And Deliverance
• Ephesians 6: How to wear The Armor of God (Bible Study)