HOMEGOING CELEBRATION FOR ELDER DONALDO MICHELLE - SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION

SERMON SERIES: Looking In All The Wrong Places

Be Still, And Know

📖 Text: Psalm 46🔑 Key Verse: Psalm 46:10 — “Be still, and know that I am God.”

TPT: “Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving, and you will see that I am God.”MSG: “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

🛡️ 1. GOD IS OUR SAFE SPACE

Verses 1–3

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble…”

💬 Talking Points:

• Refuge = God is our spiritual security system—a shield in the chaos.

• Strength = His power is not detached; it’s for us—He’s not watching from the sidelines.

• Help = He shows up on time, every time, no appointment necessary.

🧠 Illustration:

Like dialysis for your soul—God is where the toxins (fear, anxiety, doubt) are removed, and new life is restored. He purifies, strengthens, and keeps us functioning when life breaks down.

🛠️ Practical Application:

• Instead of running to distractions when trouble hits, run to prayer.

• Take 5 minutes a day to mentally “Selah”—pause, reflect, breathe.

• Create your “God corner” at home. One chair. One Bible. One encounter.

🕊️ 2. GOD IS PRESENT

Verses 4–7

“There is a river... God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved...”

💬 Talking Points:

• God is not just watching—He is with us, in the mess, in the mix, and in the midnight hour.

• The river represents peace, provision, and joy in the middle of panic.

• God's presence isn’t just a vibe—it’s an anchor. He makes His home in the storm so we don't have to face it alone.

🧠 Illustration:

Think of blood in the body: it brings life, nutrients, and healing. God’s presence is like spiritual circulation—when it flows, everything works. When it’s blocked, we feel off. Stay connected to the Source!

🛠️ Practical Application:

• Don’t just acknowledge His presence on Sunday—carry it into Monday’s chaos.

• Try the “God check-in” method: 3x a day, stop and say, “God, I know You’re here. Lead me.”

• In stress, don't just post—pause. Let God's peace be louder than your panic.

🔥 3. GOD IS COOKING

Verses 8–11

“Come, behold the works of the Lord… He makes wars cease…”“Be still, and know that I am God…”

💬 Talking Points:

• God isn’t passive. He’s not in the kitchen making snacks—He’s orchestrating nations, ending wars, setting things in divine order.

• Be still = “Stop striving!” = Let go of control. Stop fighting battles that aren't yours.

• “God is cooking” means He’s doing the work behind the scenes even when we can’t see it.

🧠 Illustration:

In a restaurant, you don’t go into the kitchen and mess with the chef—you sit, trust, and wait. When it comes to your life, let God cook the meal, set the table, and serve it when it’s ready.

🛠️ Practical Application:

• Identify where you're trying to “be God” in your life. Release it.

• Keep a “God Did It” journal. Write down every unexpected breakthrough or closed door that turned out to be protection.

• Encourage your people to declare daily: “God is working—even when I’m waiting.”

🎵 SELAH MOMENT:

“Selah” means pause, breathe, reflect.

• Encourage the congregation to take weekly Selah moments.

• Reflect on where God has been a Safe Space, how His Presence showed up, and what He's been Cooking.

🎤 Final Challenge:

Ask them:

• Where do you need to be still?

• What fear or fight are you being called to surrender?

• Can you trust that God’s silence is not absence—but activity?

🔥 Call to Action:

Lead them into prayer with this:

“Lord, I release control. I trust Your strength. I receive Your presence. I will stop, surrender, and be still—because You are God.”