Praying Psalm 46 in a Time of Crisis

Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God”, is a favorite verse for retreats at mountain cabins and lakeside cottages. But the psalm itself assumes a very different setting.

In verse 1, God is an ever-present help, and again in verses 4, 5, 7, and 11, His presence brings courage and strength. But have you noticed that in verses 2, 3, and 6, the ‘nations are in uproar”? The invitation to be still and to seek God takes place in the midst of chaos and worldly drama, not in a quiet sanctuary.

It reminds us of Habakkuk who went up on the city wall (Habakkuk 2:1) to look for the armies to come and deliver God’s people. He wanted to see God at work in the midst of the chaos of his day.

So as you prepare to pray for field workers and staff, I invite you to look for God’s fingerprints in the world today, specifically in the chaos accompanying the COVID-19 virus. Begin by taking stock of how the world is being humbled by this virus — people’s plans have been disrupted, events have been canceled, family visits have been postponed, all because of an invisible virus. Economies are suffering, some families are losing their businesses, pensions are impacted as stocks fall, all because of an invisible virus.

We ask your prayers as workers change schedules, take unexpected home leaves, worry about loved ones, perhaps struggle with finances, rearrange flights, and attend to all the stressful decisions of the virus.

We ask your prayers as workers face unexpected time with family, time to rest, time to read a book. The virus does have an up-side for many of those impacted! It’s kind of like the first day after a good snowstorm. Schools and businesses are closed, so the family stays at home together and makes hot cocoa!

We ask your prayers for those in our communities. If this virus is humbling nations, then many individuals and families are asking profound questions in their hearts and maybe in conversations. Pray that the word of Grace and Hope is spread from family to family just like the virus is spread from person to person. Pray that their hearts will be turned to Jesus Christ.

Lastly, let us go back to Psalm 46:10-11. “’Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.” I ask for your prayers of exaltation — your prayers of thanks, praise, and confidence that God is truly with us.

In Jesus’ name,
Dave Hall, International Director
TEAM’s Crisis Management Team

Click here to download a PDF printout of this post. Thank you for joining with us in prayer during this time!

Related posts:

What the Psalms Taught Me About Safety in Missions Praying Through COVID-19 [April Prayer Focus] 40 Days of Stillness + Free Lent Prayer Guide