Be Still and Know

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalms 46:10 

Being still is not always easy. Most of the time, from my perspective, it even feels like it is becoming more and more difficult to still myself in the world of today. To still ourselves from the vigorous treadmill of life, quiet the noises and push away the distractions takes focus and determination. It requires persistence and even calls upon self control.  

Society as a whole seems more busy than ever. It has become common for our minds to be continuously bombarded with information. Ideas for future plans run rampant in our minds. Internet images flash on our phone screens, anxious thoughts become increasingly more intrusive and let’s not leave out the never-ending availability of immediate entertainment waiting to present itself at every possible lull in our day. 

Being still, I believe, is something we all crave, yet many may struggle to obtain. Being still in our actions is one challenge. Being still in our minds is another. 

This beloved and well quoted scripture has been brought up for me three times in the past week. I lightheartedly asked the Lord if he was trying to tell me something. He has a way of doing that, you know.

The truth of this verse is that there is a trade off we are able make with our Father in heaven. We can give Him all our worries and He will give us peace. However, the Biblical version of ”being still” is acquired by trust. 

Do you believe that God is who He says he is? Do you believe that He has good plans for your future? Do you believe He has the world in His hands? The answer to all of these questions should be a resolute yes! Yet, it is common to struggle with doubts. If you do find yourself unsure of the goodness of God, simply ask Him to show you His goodness. That is a great place to start the process. Ask. Then, listen. 

Let’s read more surrounding this verse that directs us to be still and know. 

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. 

He says, “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. – Psalms 46:1-11

Wow! The power and authority of the Lord God Almighty is unmatched. He created this world and we can unequivocally trust in Him. He is good! He does have the world in His hands! We can be still and know! 

If the world around us is swirling with chaos, confusion, corruption, and even danger, we can be still. We can have peace. We can rest knowing that God is in control and He will protect, provide, direct and calm our souls. 

As we release our fears, anxiety, and uncertainty to Him – and choose to rest under the shadow of His wing – we find all that we need. He is our everything!

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” – Psalms 91 

I want to implement this scripture in my life each and every day. I want to dwell on it’s truth and allow it to direct me to choose to trust and rest in the peace my God has provided every time I face an unexpected setback or challenge. Will you join me?

Be blessed, friends! Be still and know!

~ Stephanie