Stop Battling God: Psalm 46:10–11 Explained

It often feels like we are going through one battle or another, coming out of one battle or struggle, or about to enter one. Sometimes it’s clear what we’re going through, but not always.

Every day, either you or someone you know probably falls into one of these categories. Challenges and struggles are real. Even if you’re not going through one now, you may be soon.

However, the challenge is not in the fight itself but in our understanding of the enemy. Sometimes, we are battling God when we should be trusting Him to fight for us against the true enemy of our souls, the devil.

Stop Battling God and Let Him Fight for You

I’ve heard people say they don’t need God and then end up wasting their lives proving it. I’ve also seen believers who, despite believing in God, struggle to let God fight for them. So they get in God’s way trying to sort it out.

Then they turn around and blame God for not helping or not showing up in time. The truth is that God is there all along, but their thoughts, actions, and declarations stand in His way. Unbeknownst to them, instead of battling the true enemy, they’re battling God.

Being Still, According to Psalm 46:10–11

When Moses and the Israelites were caught between the Egyptians and the Red Sea, they were at their wit’s end. Things seemed hopeless. Yet Moses said:

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” 

Exodus 14:14

The rest is history. God gave the Israelites a victorious experience in that seemingly hopeless situation, parting the waters of the sea so the Israelites could escape.

Then in Psalm 46:10–11, we see a comprehensive declaration of this same statement by the psalmist:

“Be still, and know that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

Psalm 46:10–11

Do you realize the confidence a young child walks around with when their parent or guardian is with them, compared to when they are walking alone? The difference is clear in the life of the person who lets God fight for them and the one who doesn’t.

God’s Promises

There are many reasons God gave us His Word, but especially for days when we face life’s battles. One of those reasons is to remind us that He will fight for us. He will do it.

Another reason is to help you find comfort in the promise based on His integrity. Nothing will destroy or break the person who chooses to rest in God rather than panic over what isn’t working in their lives. Not because they’re lazy, but because they’ve done their part and then left God to do His part.

The Word (its effect, actually) becomes both a sword to attack the enemy when he comes, and it also builds our faith as a shield to fend off Satan’s lies.

Trust God above All

But the conclusion of the whole matter is this: put your trust in the Lord. Lay down the sword of your own strength and pick up the sword of His promises from His Word. Take God up on His Word and move out of His way. 

Stop battling God; instead, find rest in Him. He will do it for you. Be still and know that He is God, and He’s got everything under control.