What does it mean to be still and know that I am God? | GotQuestions.org

Today's question is, what does it mean to be still and know that I am God?

In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective.

Then afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

This popular saying comes from Psalm 46, verse 10, Be still and know that I am

God.

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

This verse comes from a longer section of Scripture that proclaims the power and security of God.

While the threat the psalmist faced is not mentioned specifically, it seems to relate to the pagan nations and a

call for God to end the raging war.

Here is the whole psalm, God is our refuge and strength, and ever -present help in

trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most

High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall, God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall, He lifts His voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations He has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear.

He burns the shields with fire.

He says, Be still, and know that I am God.

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

The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Notice that the majority of the psalm is written in the third person, as the psalmist speaks about God.

However, God's voice comes through in verse 10, and the Lord speaks in the first person, Be

still, and know that I am God.

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

Be still, this is a call for those involved in the war to stop fighting, to be still.

The word still is a translation of the Hebrew word rapah, which means to slacken, let down,

or cease.

In some instances, the word carries the idea of to drop, be weak, or faint.

It connotes two people fighting until someone separates them and makes them drop their weapons.

It is only after the fighting has stopped that the warriors can acknowledge their trust in God.

Christians often interpret the command to be still as to be quiet in God's presence.

While quietness is certainly helpful, the phrase means to stop frantic activity, to let down,

to be still.

For God's people, being still would involve looking to the Lord for their help.

For God's enemies, being still would mean ceasing to fight a battle they cannot win.

Know that I am God.

Knowing, in this instance, means to properly ascertain by seeing and acknowledge, be aware.

How does acknowledging God impact our stillness?

We know that He is omniscient, all -knowing, omnipresent, present everywhere,

omnipotent, all -powerful, holy, sovereign, faithful, infinite, and good.

Acknowledging God implies that we can trust Him and surrender to His plan because we understand

who He is.

I will be exalted among the nations.

I will be exalted in the earth.

It was tempting for the nation of Israel to align with foreign powers, and God reminds them that ultimately

He is exalted.

God wins, and He will bring peace.

During Isaiah's time, Judah looked for help from the Egyptians, even though God warned against it.

Judah did not need Egyptian might.

They needed reliance on the Lord.

In repentance and rest is your salvation.

In quietness and trust is your strength.

Isaiah 30, verse 15.

When we are still and surrender to God, we find peace, even when the earth gives way, the mountains

fall, or the nations go into an uproar and kingdoms fall.

When life gets overwhelming and busyness takes precedence, remember Psalm 46,

verse 1, God is our refuge and strength and ever -present help in trouble.

Run to Him, lay down your weapons, and fall into His arms.

Acknowledge that He is God and that He is exalted in the earth.

Be still and know that He is God.

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