Some of us know the verse: “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, ESV). The Amplified Bible puts it this way: “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”This command to “be still” is echoed throughout Scripture, where God reminds His people to trust in His sovereignty and power. In a world filled with noise, busyness, and uncertainty, it can be difficult to hear God’s still, small voice. However, this verse calls us to pause our striving and rest in God’s presence.
The words “be still” are not merely an encouragement but a divine command to cease striving and relinquish control. In Exodus 14:14, Moses tells the Israelites, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (NIV). Just as God delivered His people from Pharaoh’s army, He remains our Deliverer today. Stillness before God is an act of faith, acknowledging that He can handle what we cannot. God’s exaltation among the nations and the earth is also a recurring theme in Scripture. Isaiah 45:22 declares, “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” This proclamation assures us that no matter how chaotic the world may appear, God’s purposes will prevail, and His glory will be revealed to all.
Jesus Himself modeled this principle of stillness and trust. In Mark 4:39, when a storm threatened the disciples’ boat, Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Immediately, the storm calmed. This moment is a vivid reminder that even the winds and waves obey the voice of our Creator, revealing His divine authority over creation. Be still and know; be still and remember. If the winds and waves obeyed Him, how much more must the circumstances of our lives bow before Him? When we quiet our hearts before Him, we experience His peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Christian author John Ortberg reminds us, “Never try to have more faith—just get to know God better. And because God is faithful, the better you know Him, the more you’ll trust Him.” It is in our knowing that He is God that we find the confidence to leave ourselves in His care.
Being still does not mean doing nothing; it means placing our trust wholeheartedly in God. Isaiah 26:3 promises, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” When we rest in the knowledge that He is God, our hearts are filled with His peace, no matter our circumstances. What steps can you and I take today to quiet our hearts and trust in God’s promises? Let us take time to meditate and reflect on God’s Word. Surrender our worries to Him, remembering the assurance of Psalm 37:7: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” In stillness, we will find strength (Isaiah 30:15), and in trusting Him, we will find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-29).
