“…I will be exalted among all nations, I will be exalted
in the earth!” Psalm 46:10b
This is
the part of Psalm 46:10 that rarely, if ever, makes its way onto a coffee mug.
In fact its notoriety is quite opposite from the verse’s much more popular
first sentence: “Be still, and know that I am God.” While “part a” is often printed on mugs and bumper stickers, even the
occasional t-shirt, “part b” is
hardly ever emphasized. Believers’ familiarity with the first phrase is
wonderful, for it is a precious pleading from the Lord, but the remaining
portion of this verse offers another level of fullness to the first phrase – a
depth and meaning we should be careful to not neglect.
Psalm
46 praises God for being our mighty fortress (v.7), the One in whom we take refuge,
our strength, One who is present in our times of trouble (v.1). It exalts God for bringing peace in the midst
of chaos (v.2-3, 9). Though the earth gives way, though the nations rage like
the sea, God stands firm. The Lord Most High and His holy city of Zion will not
be moved. Why? It is immovable because He is in her midst. Yes, the
fountainhead of His grace is fixed in this place, and it flows eternally. And
this blessed location is reserved for people of all nations.
The
psalmist’s second stanza encourages the contemplation of God’s mighty works
(v.8). It is in this same final piece of the hymn that we read, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Such
a beautiful word to us! It is as if we are being prompted to pause, think about
who God is and all that He has done; cease striving (as it says in the
NASB) and know that God is God.
Remember His faithfulness in the past.
Be reminded that He is currently our
refuge…
Now to consider
the significance of the remaining segment of this verse, “I will be exalted among all nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Scripture
reminds us that just as certain as the Lord has proven Himself in ages past,
just as assuredly as He is with His people in any given moment, one can rest in
knowing that with Him, the future is just as secure… Yes, even if it seems so uncertain.
Despite
the current global conditions – all the violence, the persecution of His
saints, all the conflicts and turmoil and rumors of war, God will be
exalted among all nations. The
promise made to Abraham will be fulfilled (Genesis 12:1-3); the charge given to
the disciples before Christ ascended will one day be carried out to the
satisfaction of the Father (Matthew 28:18-20); the nations will be reached and
Christ will be cherished; and every knee will bow, and every tongue will
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:8-11); He will be exalted in the earth!
“Be still, and know that I am
God.” Yes, Lord,
You are! I find peace in this blissful thought. “I will be exalted among all the nations…” Lord, it is hard to see
it now, but I believe to be so. The One who is “very present” in my most desperate of hours today, will also be exalted in the age to come. It
helps me to think of where the Lord has brought me. It emboldens me to remember
His mercy and longsuffering towards me. Yet just as glorious, is the thought of
His future grace to be revealed. Might
we find time this week, to just be still for a moment and remember that He is
God – yesterday, today, and forever. The
Lord of hosts, the God of Jacob, our mighty fortress, the One who melts the
earth with His voice, He is with us, and that shall never change.
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| Matt Fowler NBC Family Pastor of HS @fattmowler |
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