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)
This verse comes from a psalm that is magnifying what God does, and how he has protected Israel. And in the midst of this praise is this simple admonition. To be still. And to know that the Lord (YHWH) is God.
Be still is rāpâ, a Hebrew word that means to hang limp, sink down, or be feeble. It means to cease from our own efforts and just be still. All too often, we are so busy that we have no time to know God. His instruction to us here is simply to stop. Let go of everything else. Let go of the business of your daily routine and shut out all of the distractions. Be still.
To know is yada‘, to know by observing and reflecting (thinking), or by experiencing. Think about who God is and what he has done in your life, as well as the rest of the world. Meditate on him and his word to you. Experience him in your own life. Get to know him personally.
And when you do, you will know that he is God. And you will know him not just as a mental abstraction, but in a personal way. Take time to be still, and to know that he is God.
I have a picture of God standing in full battle array with us under His wings shouting to our enemy “Stop right there, drop your weapons, your next step will be your last!” I love this! We look up and say “Daddy ABBA you got this!”
Thanks for sharing. That is a comforting picture.