Leaving Beyond – Grounded In Scripture

Misunderstood Beauty of Psalm 46:10

Psalm 46:10 is far more beautiful than it is often understood.

Many isolate this verse, quoting it only in part:

“Be still, and know that I am God….” — Psalm 46:10a ESV

Misuse of “Be Still”

The correct understanding of the words “Be still” is often ignored or given a new meaning. Add the next few words—“and know that I am God”—and this verse is reduced to being about our comfort, some mystical peaceful experience, or separating ourselves from all distractions to enter mindless meditation seeking an encounter.

The Context: A Psalm About God

This entire Psalm is about God. Verse 10 isn’t about emptying our minds and seeking peace through dangerous meditative practices, nor is it about trying to find a way to empty our minds to feel better.

It is about the sovereignty of God.

A Command To The Nations

That beautiful verse isn’t about bringing God low so that He “gets us” or just wants us to feel better. That verse is a command to those in opposition to God! It commands: “Cease striving!” It explains why: “and know that I am God.”

“Know” demonstrates that these are to ENGAGE their minds, not empty them! It is a command that should strike fear in those in rebellion to God and bring comfort to the children of God.

God is Sovereign!

In the context of the entire Psalm, we see the sovereignty of God over nature and nations. We need not fear what is happening around us as if God doesn’t see or know. When we understand the truth of this verse, it does bring real comfort and real peace—but it is a comfort based on the truth that God is sovereign over all things. God WILL be exalted among the nations, and He WILL be exalted in the earth. Whether men continue in rebellion or lay down their weapons, God WILL be glorified!

Witnesses on God’s Sovereignty

“Psalm 46 doesn’t simply say, ‘Be still and feel peaceful.’ It says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ That is a statement of sovereignty, of judgment, and of divine exaltation among the nations. We do not find peace in ourselves, but in knowing Him.” ~ Joel Beeke

“The sovereignty of God is not merely an abstract doctrine to discuss, but a thunderclap from heaven that brings the nations to their knees.” ~ R. C. Sproul

“This verse is not a gentle suggestion. It is a command. It says, ‘Stop fighting.’ Cease your striving. It is a rebuke to the nations raging against God. And it is a call to God’s people to stand in awe of Him.” ~ James Montgomery Boice

“God calls the hostile nations to acknowledge His sovereignty and to cease their opposition. This is a warning, not a devotional prompt.” ~ John MacArthur

“The peace of God is never divorced from His power; His comfort rests on His sovereignty, not our feelings.” ~ Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Misunderstood Promises in Psalm 46:5

Also, an often misunderstood or misapplied verse in this passage is in verse 5. Where we read “her” isn’t for us to erase and write our name in there. “Her” refers to the city of God mentioned in verse 4 (context matters). That verse is not promising that whatever we feel led to do can be stamped with God’s guarantee. We do not get to blame God for our bad decisions or foolish pursuits, no matter how much we baptize them in Biblical language and make promises on His behalf.

The Beauty of Proper Hermeneutics

This chapter is beautiful, and its intended meaning is beautiful. Let us be careful not to miss what is truly there by applying bad hermeneutical practices, whereby we read into the passage what the author never meant and overlook what is genuinely present.

While it is true that we may find comfort in the certainty that God is with us and that He is working all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, we must be careful not to adopt unbiblical practices (e.g., narcigesis). It is possible that we may read a passage of Scripture, miss the author’s intended meaning entirely, read ourselves into it, and actually be stating something that is true about us and about God. However, that does not mean we honored God in the handling of that passage; it means we have learned unbiblical practices in how to interpret Scripture.

This passage is not man-centered; it is God-centered, which is where we find true and lasting comfort.

“God’s Word teaches us the reality of His presence, not a means to manipulate outcomes or secure personal desires.” ~ John Piper

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The Psalm Itself

“God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change

And though the mountains shake into the heart of the sea;

Though its waters roar and foam,

Though the mountains quake at its lofty pride. Selah.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

The holy dwelling places of the Most High.

👉 God is in the midst of her; she will not be shaken;

God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations roar, the kingdoms shake;

He gives His voice, the earth melts.

Yahweh of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

Come, behold the works of Yahweh,

Who has appointed desolations in the earth.

He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;

He breaks the bow and cuts up the spear;

He burns the chariots with fire.

👉 “Cease striving and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

Yahweh of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” — Psalm 46 LSB

Grace and peace, y’all

Soli Deo Gloria

April J. Buchanan