“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 NIV)

“Be still” in modern times is interpreted as to sit in a peaceful silence or in meditation—the act of being still while talking with God.  The original context and language carry a much more powerful, active meaning.  In the original context it means to loosen your grip, let down your weapons, sink down or go limp, cease striving.  

The command to “be still” was not spoken in a quiet, peaceful setting.  The beginning of Psalm 46 describes earthquakes, mountains crashing into the sea, roaring waters, and nations waging war.  

God speaks into the middle of absolute chaos, and commands both the warring nations to drop their weapons and His anxious people to stop panicking.  This verse means finding an internal stability rooted in who God is, even when the external world feels like it is crashing in on you.  

In some ways it has not lost its original meaning.  For when fear sets in, we are to be still before the Lord.  When anxiety is ruling your life, we are to be still before the Lord.  When loneliness becomes a constant companion, we are to be still before the Lord.  When grief becomes too much to bear, we are to be still before the Lord.  When relationships are falling apart, we are to be still before the Lord.  When life is chaotic and overwhelming, we are to be still before the Lord.

We are to “be still” and recognize what we can and cannot control and actively give the uncontrollable parts to God.  For as we are “still” in the Lord, God gives us strength, courage, peace and hope.  We are to trust that God is working on our behalf behind the scenes, allowing us to mentally and emotionally “rest” even during the times of chaos and struggles that occur in our life.  Just like the verse tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.”  God Bless.  Amen.

denise