“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Many nations of the earth attempt to rise up and take their places in the power structure of the world. They move forward motivated by their own plans and policies and in the strength of their own national fervor. They think that everything is decided in their own capitals. They think that everything is up to their own leaders. Their gods are designed to ratify their plans and policies, rather than initiate them. They never stop to question the righteousness of their cause, and they have no thought to or respect for the will of the God of heaven and earth.

Many individuals also desire fame in the annals of human achievement. They move forward motivated by their own desires and goals and in the strength of their own fleshly zeal. They think that everything is up to them, everything is in their own hands. Their gods are the ones best suited to serve them, rather than the other way around. They never stop to question the true motivations of their hearts, and they pay no heed to the will of God.

Into this maelstrom of individualism and societal pride, the true God of heaven and earth speaks: “Be still, and know that I am God!” It is simultaneously a warning and a comfort. Get quiet and listen. The God of heaven and earth has something to say. If you fail to listen, the consequences will be disastrous. For He will be honored by every nation, whether in loving reverence or dreadful fear.

You can’t decide for God what you want to hear from Him. Rather, you must exit the tumult and turmoil of the self-aggrandizing world we live in and get quiet and listen. You must stop speaking your own mind and start listening for the mind of God. What does He have to say? What does He want you to know about your place in His plan?

Amid the many voices clamoring for your attention and your praise, give God your ears. Meditate on His Word and be blessed to have spent time in His presence.