Advent reflection

Stop! Be still!

In the first of five Advent reflections, Major Malcolm Martin considers the arrival of the Prince of Peace in a world marked by uncertainty and conflict

‘Be still, and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10)

AT the beginning of Advent, Psalm 46 brings a much-needed reminder that God-with-us – Immanuel – provides a secure and lasting foundation for peace, against the background of uncertain and distressing circumstances.

A popular legend asserts that in the early 17th century the translators of the King James Version wanted to render the psalms in suitably poetic English. They therefore turned to some of the leading English-language wordsmiths of the day, including William Shakespeare. The story proposes that Shakespeare reached Psalm 46 on his 46th birthday and decided to leave his legacy in the text. Apparently unnoticed by the translation committee, he used ‘shake’ 46 words from the beginning of the psalm and ‘spear’ 46 words from the end. The notion that translators, largely drawn from Puritan ranks, would turn to a figure associated with the dubious pleasures of the theatre is somewhat fanciful, and the particular words in question were present in earlier translations of the Bible.

There is greater certainty about the link between this psalm and Martin Luther’s expression of faith in his hymn ‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God’ (SASB 1). At a time when he faced opposition and the threat of execution, he was able to assert his full confidence in God, declaring: ‘On Earth is not his equal.’

CONFIDENCE AMID CHAOS

Psalm 46 is a song of confidence. Drawing upon common Old Testament concepts of God as ‘refuge and strength’ (v1), it asserts that comfort can be drawn from God’s enduring presence and expresses certain hope that God is ultimately in control. Even if all creation were to collapse into chaos, even if nations foolishly fulminate, the psalmist proclaims that God remains a constant source of assurance.

The enduring impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, devastating conflicts, natural disasters, political turmoil and economic insecurity can all bring uncertainty into our daily lives. Aspects of chaos are inevitable in a disordered world, but a deep awareness that ‘the Lord Almighty is with us’ (v7) can help us to overcome fear.

JOY LIKE A RIVER

In contrast to the surging chaos of the oceans, images of rivers and streams frequently express a sense of tranquil peace in the Bible. The idyll of Eden in Genesis 2, the ‘quiet waters’ of Psalm 23, the life-giving rivers of Ezekiel 47 and Revelation 22, all convey a serene confidence that generates depths of contentment. The bubbling source of such profound joy is again the firm conviction that God is with us.

ACTIVE PEACE

It’s somewhat unfortunate that most translations use the phrase ‘be still’, which we tend to associate with the peace of quietly resting in God’s presence. In the busyness of the Advent period, we certainly need occasions when we gently centre our lives on God, but the original language is an imperative command, rather than a placid invitation. ‘That’s enough! Now know that I am God!’ (v10 Common English Bible) is closer to the original sense of a clarion call, urging total surrender to God, who brings peace. Responding to this summons is the foundation of true peace for our own lives and for shalom in our relationships with others.

Psalm 46 can therefore encourage us towards active engagement in peacemaking: ‘I would bring peace to lives now torn asunder’ (SASB 628).

As we reflect throughout this Advent season, may we fully recognise the rule of the Prince of Peace and actively pursue holistic peace for all.

Download worship ideas and teaching starters to explore peace through Advent at salvationist.org.uk/

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MAJOR MALCOLM MARTIN M

Publishing Secretary Corps Officer Thornton Heath

Territorial envoys take the lead

Six territorial envoys share their stories during the early days of their service as corps leaders

JULIA ATTWOOD

ASSOCIATE OFFICER, SAFFRON WALDEN ALL my life I have been involved with the Church and have always been passionate about teaching and nurturing others in their faith. For a long time I was involved with children’s work and local leadership in the Army. My relationship with Jesus became much more real after a difficult time in my family and I began to sense God’s call to spiritual leadership. There had been several occasions throughout my life when I wondered if God was calling me and I constantly felt there was something more in his plan for me.

Once I recognised the call, it was confirmed in many ways. At one point in the process I really wrestled with God about it, but when I decided to carry on I was filled with peace.

It is strange starting a new venture in my 50s but I know God is able to use my life experiences and skills for this role. There is a lot to learn and I could not do it without the support of my family and friends. I know I am where God wants me to be. I put my whole life into his hands and trust him to lead me every day.

ANDREA HOPKINS

SHREWSBURY GOD called me to officership when I was still at school. I remember telling the careers teacher that being an officer was what I was going to do.

Things happen, don’t they? And sometimes our path, which once seemed so clear, gets disrupted. Our family circumstances changed dramatically and going to the Army became more difficult. It seemed my life was going in other directions. I couldn’t forget my calling, but I tried to divert from it, telling myself – and God – that I could work for him as well at SP&S and THQ as I could as an officer.

But God didn’t forget me – he never does. My life seemed settled and being an officer seemed an impossible mountain to climb, but my calling was still there.

Then the Covid-19 pandemic arrived and, while it was a difficult time for everyone, God worked through the difficulties in so many miraculous ways, opening doors I didn’t know were there and making the way clear to territorial envoyship. I am so blessed in being just where God wants me to be. There is so much peace in knowing that God has his way and that I am where he always planned, doing his will.

CATHERINE BROWN

DEAL WITH MINSTER

IF I am completely honest with myself, I think I have always felt the call to officership. However, like many before me, I chose to ignore it and head in the opposite direction. It wasn’t until one day when my husband, Johnathan, felt the call to officership that I finally began to listen to that little voice in my head and bravely opened the door and said, ‘Here I am.’

Fast forward through three years of an application process that saw a Covid-19 pandemic, a shift from a cadet applicant to a territorial envoy applicant and countless experiences with God, I find myself right in the place that God has called me to be.

It has not always been easy. It has not always been fun. But with every step I have taken, God has been right there with me leading the way and I’m excited to see what else God has in store for me.

For anyone who feels even the slightest draw towards full-time ministry, I dare you to push the door and see what happens. God has great things planned for you.

ALISON PARKER

BRISTON WITH FAKENHAM I WAS brought up in The Salvation Army. Dedicated at Snettisham as a baby, I later became a junior soldier and then a senior soldier. God called me to officership aged 14 and called again and again over the years, but I became adept at ignoring his voice or thinking up reasons (excuses) why I couldn’t respond. But God never gives up!

One Sunday morning our envoy preached on Luke 9:57–62 and ended with ‘Jesus wants followers not fans’. At that moment I knew I could not put off my calling any longer.

That was nine years ago and the path has not been straightforward. There have been many delays and frustrating circumstances, but all the way God has reassured me with Habakkuk 2:3: ‘Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true’ (Good News Bible).

It has reminded me that God will fulfil his plan for my life in his time not mine. God waited almost 30 years for me to answer his call; I only had to wait nine to see his plan unfold and to serve him as a territorial envoy.