Be Still and Know that I am God

Strolling through a glass paneled showroom brimming with greenery, flowers, and sunlight would be a pleasure any time of year, but it is an especially welcome activity during the final days of winter. During the months of February and March, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis holds their annual orchid show. With an estimated 500 orchids on display, many rare and unusual in nature, the sight offers visitors not only a sense of refuge and relief, but also intrigue.

Peaceful places like this capture my attention, and they often bring a favorite Scripture to mind:

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

The first part of the Scripture, “Be still, and know that I am God” is a popular saying, adorning everything from bumper stickers to bookmarks to t-shirts. In the past, when I read these words, I believed they meant to stop moving and to be quiet with God.

While resting quietly with God is definitely worthwhile, I’ve since come to know it is not the intent of this Scripture. Some research into the Bible’s Hebrew definition, along with the context of the entire Scripture passage uncovers the true and deeper meaning of God’s words. Psalm 46:1-11 NIV

Be Still…

“Be Still” in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible comes from a Hebrew term meaning to slacken, to let drop, to cease, or even to be weak.

In its entirety, Psalm 46 declares God’s strength and presence during a time of war and destruction. The writers point to God’s control and his ability to end threats. The Lord speaks in verse 10 saying, “Be still”. In this type of situation, his words are not a gentle invitation to rest, but a command to stop fighting. “Be still.” Can you picture God saying it with calm authority? Other Bible versions translate his instruction as: “that’s enough” (CEB), “calm down” (CEV), “cease striving” (NASB), “stop fighting” (GNT), and “let go of your concerns” (GW).

Like the psalmist, we also face difficulties, threats, and disasters in our personal lives and in our world. How can we apply God’s instruction to our lives today? Some ideas:

• Stop fighting battles solely in our own strength. Keep courageously doing what we can and need to do, but surrender the situation to him.
• Drop fears, anxiety, guilt, attempts to control, and other worthless weapons at God’s feet.
• Accept God’s gracious help in its many forms such as: peace, hope, wisdom, love, strength, patience, persistence, mercy, forgiveness…

Hard things will keep happening in this world. We cannot handle them all by ourselves. God never intended us to. In our trouble, God beckons us to come to him, rely on him, and discover hope through him.

And Know that I am God…

“And know that I am God” means acknowledging and being aware of God’s presence at work in our lives. God continually pursues a relationship with us, but he will never force it. He gives us freedom to choose if it is something we want to be part of.

If we invite God into our lives, his promises in the Bible tell us he stays with us always, he helps us, and ultimately he saves us from death. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and present everywhere. Nothing we face surprises him; he is always in control. Truly “knowing” him is trusting him to watch over us, to provide for us, and to lead us through hardship.

Knowing God is something we continue working on with the Holy Spirit as we grow in faith throughout our lives. Some days we are amazed by God, and other days we will struggle to believe he is with us. What can we do to become more aware of God and trust him in our lives? Some thoughts:

• Seek a relationship with God. Tell him about concerns and ask for his guidance.
• Search Scripture for wisdom regarding situations. Seek to understand and apply it. Use the words of Scripture as prayers.
• Identify and pursue any needed life changes or forgiveness.
• Be alert and watch for ways he might be working within us, in interactions with others, or in the world.
• Reflect and recognize God for the love and good we find in each day.
• Thank him for what he gives and does for us.
• Share experiences and spiritual gifts to help others see who God is.

The words “and know that I am God” do not tell us to simply take note of what God is doing in our lives. They are a bold call for action on our part. God wants us to recognize his sovereign control in our trouble, AND he directs us to pursue him in the midst of it.

I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth…

These ending words speak to God’s final authority over every situation and over every life. Whatever God allows to take place here — all the wonderful and all the terrible things — he will ultimately use for his glory.

Understanding why a good and loving God lets hard things happen is difficult. There is no easy or soothing answer. Some questions will remain a struggle this side of eternity, but the Bible shows us what we can understand. A few examples:

• Scripture tells us God’s thoughts and ways are higher than our own. Isaiah 55:9
• God promises all things work together for good to those who love him. Romans 8:28
• And, although we face many trials and sorrows here, we are to be courageous, because Jesus has overcome the world. In him we may have peace. John 16:33

God’s reassures us the future of his believers is safe and secure, no matter what happens. Tragedies, disasters, wars, and personal battles will still take place, but we will be alright. Jesus’ resurrection assured this. Even in death, he protects us with his peace and delivers us to an eternal life.

God says “I will be exalted” because he has conquered all evil, and he has provided his people with a pathway to hope and to eternal life. Those who love God hold him in the highest regard.

Be Still and Know

Orchids are interesting and beautiful plants, but I’ve read they can also be one of the most challenging to grow. There are nearly 30,000 orchid species and even more hybrids across the world. Their delicate care varies among the many types. As an inexperienced home gardener, I have to admit I am a little overwhelmed just reading about their needs.

Similarly, handling life’s busyness, hurts, and problems can overwhelm me. I get caught up in worry and in trying to fix everything on my own. Life distracts me, and I can forget to go to God. You too?

He says, “Be still…that’s enough, calm down, let go of concerns. Know who I am.” God is the master gardener who waits to be invited to work within our hearts.

To God, we are each more rare, unique, and wonderful than any of the orchids he created. As we find peace in his care, he captures our attention and teaches us how to thrive exactly as he intended.

Look around this beautiful room. God’s peace. It blooms.
Press on in faith, my friends! ~Jamie

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

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A Few Related Posts:

The Serenity Prayer: a Road Map for Peace
The Worry Fight
Where is God when Life Hurts
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
Embracing God’s Plan
Loving God with All your Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength

Inspiring Resources:

Gotquestions.org: What does it mean to be still and know that I am God?
Proverbs31.org: Still Learning How to Be Still
Crosswalk.com: What is the meaning of verse “Be Still and Know that I am God”?
Christiancourier.com: Be Still and Know that I am God

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