Be Still and Know That I Am God

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-31-2026

Psalms 46

Introduction: 

A.  Psalm 46 is a psalm of confidence in troubled times.

 

1.  Many believe this psalm inspired A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, and rightly so, because Psalm 46 presents God as the unshakable refuge of His people.

 

2.  It was written both during and for future days of shaking, uncertainty, fear, and warfare. The earth is moving, mountains are collapsing, waters are roaring, kingdoms are raging — yet in the middle of all the chaos, God’s people are called to confidence, calmness, and faith.

 

3.  This psalm reminds us that while the world changes, God never changes.  Though we live in the 21^st century, we still face these things both mentally and physically. 

 

B.  Three Enemies that you and I face each day can cause us to “look back” if we are not careful.  The devil is on a rampage today and is doing all that he can to disable, discourage, defile, or destroy God’s people. 

 

1.  Worry - Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

2.  Fear - Deuteronomy 31:8  And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

 

3.  Discouragement - Joshua 1:9  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

 

C.  Let’s look at the breakdown of the psalm.

 

1.  A Declaration of What God is - 1-7

 

a.  A Refuge (hiding place)- 1a

b.  A Strength - 1b

c.  A VERY Present Help - 1c

d.  A calm in the storm - 2-3

e.  A river of joy - 4

f.  An ever-present Saviour - do not have to run to our Refuge - He is there – 7

 

2.  A Declaration of What He Has Done - 8-9

 

a.  He has been victorious in every past circumstance

b.  He has never failed in His purpose

 

3.  A Declaration of What We Are To Do - 10-11

 

a.  Remain still- 10

b.  Remember who He is - 10

c.  Place your confidence in Him - 11

 

BE STILL - (When & Why?)

 

A.  Be Still When?

 

1.  Be Still When You Are Disappointed

 

Isaiah 40:31  But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

 

2.  Be Still When You Are Discouraged

 

John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

 

Psalms 4:4  Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

 

3.  Be Still When You Are Distressed

 

Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

4.  Be Still When You Are Doubtful

 

Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

         

B.  Be Still Why?  (Circumstances Can Alter Our Perception Of God)

 

1.  Be Still Because God's Time May Not Be Our Time.

 

Psalms 145:15  The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.

 

2.  Be Still Because We May Not Have The Proper Perspective

 

Exodus 14:13  And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

 

3.  Be Still Because God's Will May Not Be Ours

 

2 Corinthians12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

4.  Be Still Because We Need To Remain Confident In Him

 

Hebrews 10:35  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

 

5.  Be Still Because He Is Still God!

 

Isaiah 43:11  I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.