Still and Deep Waters
"Be still and know I am God" ~ (Psalm 46:10)
This psalm echoes a sentiment for all of humanity. Our days are filled with various activities and we keep ourselves busy with tasks that we consider productive. I enjoy keeping myself engaged in such activities and it can be challenging for us to find moments of stillness and calm, and take time with God and rest in His safety and love, as this is a common experience shared by many of us in the Western world.
The reason why the psalmist wrote these words is just as relevant now as it was back then. We must take this psalm seriously and find a quiet space to contemplate the words. We should ask God to teach us the true meaning of the words and what they are trying to convey.
In this psalm, we see a series of statements about how God reminds us of His involvement in various worrying events. He intervenes in these situations to ensure that things go as they should and saves those affected by the tragedy. Many of us are protected from disasters by the hand of Providence. Without His intervention in previous events, we could face even more difficult times than we are now.
The command to "be still and know that I am God," spoken from His mouth, tells you and me to be quiet and still, sit down, and stop littering our days with events and tasks to keep busy and ignore Him. He is telling us that our busyness is purposeful by us. We are running to and fro because if we were to stop for a moment, we would experience the fear we would feel in our inner being. It is the same reason Merton is quoted as saying, "Sin is thus an orientation to falsity, a basic lie concerning our own deepest reality." And our most profound reality is that which we are most afraid of. Humans have evolved into a species that is very good at projecting our bare lies onto others, often gaslighting those we are most fearful of revealing our true selves to others, an orientation to falsity.
The fear is that we face a clear and present danger daily as we keep ourselves busy with matters that distract us from being still and quiet, preventing us from hearing what God says. Whether we read the rest of this psalm to pray to Him for guidance or choose another way to connect with Him, we must be still and listen to His advice.
I believe God wants us to take some time during our day to be still and spend time with Him. During these moments of stillness, talk to God as if He is right beside you, and if you have been baptized, ask His Holy Spirit to dwell within you and guide you in all things, even helping you to understand the message of Psalm 46: "Be still and know that I am God, your refuge and strength."
Taking time out of my schedule is crucial to be still and introspective. Writing in my journal has been a part of my life for many years, and I continue to do so. Sometimes, I write about a psalm, interpreting the meaning I discover in the verses. By doing this, I can listen to the Holy Spirit and better understand everything I need to comprehend for my journey on this planet and beyond.
One more thing before I sign off.
The first time I came across the quote from Merton, it was like a validation of a belief I had held for years. When Merton explained humanity’s fundamental problem, I felt relieved to have a clear definition of this ontology issue. Interestingly, the Bible also tells us the same thing about ourselves. However, I have faced criticism, being told I was ignorant and had no idea what I was talking about. The truth is that it is always hard for our species to accept and handle the truth. Since being introduced to Merton, I have prayed for understanding and healing. I desire the restoration of my ontological self, which is my greedy, selfish, wounded, and corrupt self. And this is my response to God with the resultant teaching in all things the Holy Spirit works in me.
