Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
God calls us to be still. In Hebrew it is one word, harpu, and means to cease striving, let go, or even drop your weapons. Being still and calming our mind in the face of stressful or difficult situations is good advice that is found even in our secular based counsel. But if we just surrender and stop there, we leave ourselves defenseless.
Harpu is difficult, maybe even impossible, if not paired with the following admonition – know that I am God. The word know is yada, and is experiential knowing, not just intellectual knowing. I read this two ways:
- Because I know God, I am able to be still. I am able to let go, exhale and trust. I know His character and His power.
- But I also hear a command. Be still - and then you will know, you will see, that I am God. But first you have to stop and be quiet so you can see Me at work.
It is a great reminder that, as we face chaos or anxiety, we do not need to struggle in our own strength. God has already won the battle. But we can’t just stop. It is the second part, knowing God, experiencing Him, that gives true peace.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7
