The phrase “be still, and know that I am God” is found in Psalm 46:10. It’s a simple yet profound invitation to find peace by recognizing God’s presence and power in our lives. Let’s explore the meaning behind this verse and how we can apply it today.
The original context
Psalm 46 was likely written during a time of great turmoil for God’s people. Verses 1-3 describe calamitous events: the earth gives way, the mountains fall, the waters roar and foam. But in the midst of chaos, the psalmist expresses unwavering confidence in God’s protection, power, and presence with His people (verses 4-7).
It’s after these descriptions of upheaval and declarations of faith that we find the well-known verse: “Be still, and know that I am God.” When all around is uncertain, we are called to stillness before God. This stillness contrasts the surrounding turmoil. Likewise, in our modern chaotic times, we can choose to retreat into the presence of God where we find peace and stability when so much feels out of control.
Being still
“Be still” can also mean “cease striving” or “relax.” God is not necessarily telling us to sit perfectly still, without moving a muscle! The sense is to stop our human busyness, fighting, planning and let go of trying to control outcomes. Being still means disengaging from anxiety, activities or thoughts that take us away from peace. It’s intentionally slowing down and quieting ourselves before God.
Stillness might look like:
- Taking a break from work or screens to meditate on a Bible verse
- Going for prayerful walk outside without headphones
- Sitting in silence before God for a few minutes to declutter the mind
- Listening to worship music that helps us focus on God’s presence
When we cease our striving and busyness, we open space to focus on God Himself. External pressures fade into the background as we become receptive to God’s voice.
Knowing God
“Know that I am God” reminds us that He is worthy of our full attention. God wants us to know Him deeply – His character, promises, and power in our lives. Getting to know someone takes time. Similarly, stillness before God allows us to go beyond surface-level knowledge to truly know and experience Him.
We come to know God as we ponder attributes like:
- God is eternal – He reigns forever (Psalm 93:2)
- God is good – His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 100:5)
- God is just – He defends and delivers the oppressed (Psalm 103:6)
- God is merciful – His compassions never fail (Lamentations 3:22)
- God is our provider – He supplies all our needs (Philippians 4:19)
- God is sovereign – He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28)
Meditating on verses like these builds our knowledge of who God is.
We also come to know God as we reflect on ways He has personally met us in the past. What prayers has He answered? When have we clearly seen His hand guiding or providing? Remembering God’s faithfulness in our lives grows our confidence in His character and trust in His future care.
Benefits of stillness before God
Regularly practicing stillness before God can powerfully transform us. Here are some potential benefits:
- Peace – Stillness relieves anxiety as we rest in God’s presence and entrust circumstances to Him.
- Renewed strength – “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting on God recharges and refreshes us.
- Wisdom – In stillness, we humbly receive instruction from God rather than rushing ahead in our own wisdom.
- Right priorities – Centering on God realigns us to His purposes and perspective for our lives.
- Deeper faith – Increased knowledge of God builds trusting faith in His character and promises.
Stillness in a busy world
How can we practice stillness before God in our busy, technology-driven world? Here are some suggestions:
- Schedule time specifically to be still. It may help to set a reminder.
- Unplug from devices periodically throughout the day.
- Spend time outside to unplug and appreciate God’s creation.
- Minimize clutter and distraction in your quiet time space.
- Journal your thoughts during stillness to stay focused.
- Reread Psalms as examples of stillness and praise.
- Put on ambient worship music to set the mood to be still.
- Incorporate stillness into everyday tasks by practicing God’s presence.
Start small – even 5 minutes can renew your spirit. The more we practice, the more natural stillness becomes. And the busier life gets, the more essential these times of centering become.
Stillness leads to action
While being still is inwardly focused, the psalmist also calls us to action: “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). An awesome, powerful God deserves to be made known among all peoples and nations!
Time alone with God should propel us into our calling, whatever that may be. Stillness focuses and reminds us of our purpose. Knowledge of God gained in stillness overflows into how we live, work, create and influence. We can’t get to know God without it changing our lives and motivations.
After time alone with God, we re-enter the “real world” with renewed passion, focus, peace, and courage to act according to His purposes.
Christ’s example of stillness
Jesus himself modeled a lifestyle of stillness through regular prayer and withdrawal despite immense demands on His time.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
If Christ needed extended time with the Father, how much more do we? Following Jesus’ example can help us prioritize stillness while maintaining active, outwardly-focused lives.
Stillness and worship
Being still naturally leads to worship as we meditate on God’s awe-inspiring qualities. Psalm 46:10 parallels “Be still, and know that I am God” with “I will be exalted among the nations.” As we lift our gaze to who God is, praise flows forth.
In extended times of stillness, we often move through different phases. We may begin by quieting ourselves and releasing distractions. Then we focus on knowing God better through His word or dwelling on His attributes and past faithfulness. Finally, in response to seeing God more clearly, we overflow with worship.
Effective worship requires stillness. It’s hard to praise God deeply when we’re rushing around or distracted. When we slow down to focus on God, worship comes much more naturally.
Stillness through all seasons
God’s invitation to stillness remains constant through all seasons of life, even in times of turmoil:
- In grief – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
- In illness – “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
- In waiting – “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
- In indecision – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously.” (James 1:5)
God promises to meet us in stillness at all times – especially when we need Him most.
Stillness in community
While personal stillness is essential, God also inhabits the praises of His gathered people (Psalm 22:3). Times of stillness can be enriched by adding in elements of community:
- Attending a spiritual retreat
- Participating in corporate worship
- Finding community in a small group Bible study
- Reading a Christian devotional book together with a friend
- Partnering with an accountability partner to encourage regular stillness
Shared stillness can enhance our focus on God as we glean from others’ insights. And gathering after individual quiet times reinforces putting into action what God reveals.
Start small today
We live such distracted, busy lives that stillness before God often gets pushed out. But it’s essential medicine for our souls. Starting small with baby steps creates momentum. The more we practice, the easier stillness becomes.
Choose just one idea today to create space for being still:
- Add 5 quiet minutes to your morning routine
- Take a short prayerful walk at lunch
- Put on music that helps you quiet your mind after work
- Leave your phone in another room for 30 minutes
- Pick a Psalm and slowly read it 3 times letting the words soak in
As we open ourselves up to stillness, we make room to know God better. And there is simply nothing more powerful than growing in knowledge of our creator, sustainer, and faithful friend. Being still ushers in fresh perspective, renewed purpose, and deeper dependence on Him.