Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
What does be still and know that I am God mean? This famous saying comes from Psalm 46:10 and is often quoted. Most people take this verse to mean that we should rest in God. But this verse means so much more than simply finding rest.
The meaning of be still and know that I am God shows us that we can have peace even in the midst of the calamity in our lives. This verse reminds us that God is in control and we can find rest in him.
There’s so much packed into these few words that I think will challenge you and encourage you. Let’s take a look.
What Is The Meaning Of Be Still And Know That I Am God?
Psalm 46 focuses on God’s power and provision for his people. There seems to be some sort of threat that the nation of Israel is facing, although we do not know what that is. The Psalmist exalts God for being his “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”
As Psalm 46 comes to a close we see the command to “be still and know that I am God”. Remember the context of this verse, the command comes in the midst of a conflict. This psalm tells us that no matter what is happening we can trust God and find refuge in him.
Let’s look a little closer at the meaning of be still and know that I am God.
Be Still. When we hear the command to “be still” we tend to think of being quiet before God. The Hebrew word for “still” is Raphah (רָפָה) means to “sink down, relax, let go, cease striving, or withdraw.” To “be still” doesn’t mean that we should be quiet, but that we should cease fighting.
To be still means that we cease our frantic activity in the midst of conflict. For followers of Jesus rather than putting the weight on our shoulders we should look to God for our rescue and provision.
The command to be still is the same command that Jesus gave in Mark 4:39 to calm the winds and the waves. This shows that God is in control and he’s stronger than the storms we are facing. Therefore we can be still, stop fighting, and trust that God will guide us through.
Know That I Am God. To know means to “acknowledge or be aware of.” When we are frantically fighting whatever battle is in front of us we often lose sight of God. We focus on the storms around us, pick up our swords to fight, or simply give up. We forget that God is stronger than what we are facing and that he is in control.
When we are still we can know that he is God and is in control. Being still helps us become aware of God and place our trust in him.
To be still and know that I am God means that we take time to pause and reflect. It’s a command to remind ourselves that God is in control and therefore we can cease striving and fighting. He is stronger than the storm we are facing and when we place our trust in him he will lead us through.
Want to learn more about this verse? Check out: The Meaning Of Psalm 46:10
How To Be Still And Know That He Is God
Here are 3 ways you can be still before God.
1. Stop
“Be still” is a command to stop. To stop our frantic activity and to recognize it’s not us who’s in control. We put far too much pressure on ourselves and often neglect to rely on God for our needs.
When we stop we can recognize it’s not us who’s in control. We are carrying burdens and fighting battles we were never intended to.
Psalm 46:10 invites us to stop, let go, relax, withdraw, and look to God instead.
2. Recenter
The purpose of stopping isn’t just for stopping sake. Stopping allows us to recenter, or refocus our life on the one who is actually in control.
When we are going at a frantic pace we are placing ourselves in the driver’s seat. But God is the one who can calm the storms of our life, not us. We need to remind ourselves of that.
There are two ways you can do this. First is by getting into God’s Word. Look at what he’s done and look at his heart for his people.
Second is by remembering what he’s done for us personally. We tend to focus on the problems before us rather than the storms he’s brought us through in the past. Look back and remember how faithful God has been.
3. Walk With God
Once our life is recentered we can walk with God. We can walk in the love, the peace, and the joy that he has for us.
We tend to think that the good life is found when we go after what we want. When we fight for our rights. When we demand what we deserve. But this verse teaches us that it’s when we give up and look to God that we will get what we are after.
So, be still and know that he is God. Stop, recenter, and walk with God. He is with you and he will provide for you. Even though the world might be falling apart around you, you can still experience peace in the presence of the Lord.
BA in Biblical Studies - Ozark Christian College (2012)
MA in Theology - Regent University (2019)
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