“Be Still And Know That I Am God” Psalm 46:10 Meaning
We frequently read this verse as God’s command for us to cease from our busy schedules and make time for prayer or worship. Though this is obviously incredibly important, however, there is a deeper meaning to this verse.
When we read the context in which this verse is situated, we may be surprised to discover that, when God utters the command “Be still and know that I am God!” God is not speaking to his people, but to the raging, and violent nations who threaten them. The Psalmist is proclaiming that amidst the chaos and turmoil of this world, he rests in the knowledge that God is his refuge. He imagines God as a mighty warrior, fighting against the nations and kingdoms of this world, and even against the mountains and the sea, calling them to be still and recognize him as God – all for the sake of giving his people a place of refuge, a city that cannot be moved.
We too have many forces arrayed against us – finances, unforeseen calamities, interpersonal conflicts, debilitating sicknesses, uncertain futures, overwhelming temptations, and spiritual oppression – and we may feel as though we are tossed about by tides and waves over which we have no control. However, in these moments of trial, when the waters roar and foam, and the mountains tremble with its tumult, we can trust that the Lord Almighty is with us and he makes all troubles still. In the present, nations roar and kingdoms totter, but we look to the future – a future in which God will truly and finally make all wars cease, when he will break the bow, shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire. Like Jesus rebuking the storm at sea, God will shout “Be Still!” to all the chaos of this world. And, as the Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, “every knee will bend, and every tongue will gladly profess that Jesus Christ is Lord unto the glory of God the Father.”
So, perhaps in this particular verse, the command to “Be Still” is not addressed directly to us, it certainly still applies to us. For when we are confident that God has the power to still all that with which the world can threaten us, we too can Be Still and abide in our knowledge that He, the Lord Almighty, the God of Jacob, is our refuge. At atriohill.com, we are committed to providing you with inspiring Christian Gifts to encourage your faith journey. We offer a full-line of Be Still and Know gifts – journals, jewelry, plaques, apparel, coffee mugs, keychains, rings and necklaces. Thank you for visiting our store!