In our fast-paced world of notifications, deadlines, and endless to-do lists, the idea of being still might seem impossible – maybe even a little strange. Yet deep in our hearts, we long for peace, for quiet, for a moment to catch our breath. That’s why God’s words in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God,” feel both challenging and incredibly inviting.
But what does it really mean to “be still and know”? If you’ve ever wondered about this, you’re not alone. Let’s explore this beautiful invitation together and discover how it can transform our daily lives.
Understanding True Stillness
When God asks us to “be still,” He’s talking about something much deeper than just sitting quietly or turning off our phones (though those things can help!). The Hebrew word used here, “raphah,” actually means to let go, to release, to surrender. It’s like when a child who’s trying to do everything themselves finally lets their parent help them – there’s such relief in that moment of letting go.
Think about a lake. When the water is constantly stirred up by wind and waves, it’s hard to see anything below the surface. But when the water becomes still, you can see right through to the bottom. That’s what happens in our relationship with God when we learn to be still – we begin to see Him more clearly.
Stillness isn’t about emptying our minds or trying to think about nothing. Instead, it’s about focusing our attention on God. It’s making space in our busy lives to remember who He is and who we are in relationship to Him. Imagine sitting with your closest friend – sometimes you talk, sometimes you listen, and sometimes you just enjoy being together. That’s the kind of stillness God invites us into.
Finding Stillness in a Noisy World
You might be thinking, “That sounds wonderful, but how do I actually do this?” The good news is that we can start small. Just like learning any new skill, becoming still in God’s presence takes practice, and He is infinitely patient with us as we learn.
Start with just five minutes in the morning before you check your phone or turn on the news. Find a quiet corner where you won’t be interrupted. Take a few deep breaths and remember that God is present with you. You might want to whisper a simple prayer: “Here I am, Lord. I want to know You better.”
Some days, your mind might race with all the things you need to do. That’s normal! When you notice your thoughts wandering, gently bring them back to God’s presence. It’s like training a puppy to stay – it takes time and gentle persistence, but it gets easier with practice.
Knowing God: More Than Just Facts
The second part of the verse, “and know that I am God,” invites us into something remarkable. This isn’t about knowing facts about God – it’s about knowing God Himself. It’s the difference between reading a biography about someone and spending time with them in person. Both are valuable, but there’s nothing quite like direct experience.
When Stillness Meets Knowing
Have you ever noticed how some of your deepest conversations happen in quiet moments? Maybe it’s a late-night talk with a friend, or a peaceful walk with someone you love. Something about those still moments allows us to connect more deeply. The same is true in our relationship with God.
When we create space to be still, we begin to notice things we might have missed in our hurry. We might suddenly remember how God helped us through a difficult time last year. Or perhaps we’ll notice the beauty of a sunrise and feel God’s presence in that moment. These quiet times help us know God not just as a concept, but as a living reality in our lives.
Think of it like getting to know a new friend. At first, you might know basic facts about them – where they work, where they live, what they like to do. But as you spend time together, especially in meaningful conversation, you begin to know their heart – what makes them laugh, what they care about deeply, what brings them joy. This is the kind of knowing God invites us into.
The Journey of Transformation
Being still with God changes us, often in ways we don’t expect. It’s like sitting in the sun – you might not feel anything happening at first, but gradually, you warm up. In the same way, regular times of stillness with God begin to warm our hearts and change how we see everything else.
You might notice yourself becoming more patient in traffic, or finding it easier to trust God with your worries. You might start seeing people differently – more as God sees them. These changes don’t usually happen overnight, but they’re real and lasting.
Remember, God doesn’t ask us to be still just for the sake of being quiet. He invites us into stillness so we can know Him better. And knowing Him better transforms how we live, love, and face life’s challenges.
Making It Real in Daily Life
You don’t need special equipment or a perfect quiet space to practice being still with God. You can start right where you are. Maybe it’s five minutes in your car before you start your workday. Perhaps it’s a quiet moment after the kids are in bed. Some people find stillness early in the morning, others late at night.
The key is to start somewhere and be patient with yourself. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s okay. God isn’t keeping score – He’s just happy to have this time with you, just like a parent treasures any moment their busy child chooses to spend with them.
As you practice stillness, you might want to keep a simple journal. Write down what you notice about God’s presence in your life. What are you learning about His character? How do you see Him working in your daily experiences? Over time, these notes become a beautiful record of your growing relationship with Him.
Growing Through Challenges
Let’s be honest – being still isn’t always easy. Our minds wander. We feel restless. The world around us keeps moving at full speed. There will be days when your quiet time feels dry or distracted, and that’s normal. Even in those moments, God is working in ways we might not see right away.
The Gentle Fruit of Stillness
Just like a garden doesn’t grow overnight, the benefits of being still with God often appear gradually. One day you might notice that you’re handling stress differently. Perhaps you’ll find yourself naturally turning to prayer throughout your day, like checking in with a close friend. You might discover a deeper peace that stays with you even when life gets chaotic.
Many people find that regular times of stillness with God change how they see their daily lives. That difficult colleague at work becomes someone to pray for rather than just a source of frustration. A traffic jam turns into an opportunity for quiet reflection rather than a reason for anxiety. Even life’s bigger challenges begin to look different when viewed through the lens of knowing God’s character and presence.
Finding Stillness in Different Seasons
Life comes in seasons, and each one brings its own challenges and opportunities for stillness. During busy seasons, you might need to get creative. A young mom might find her stillness in the early morning hours before the house wakes up. A business professional might use their lunch break for a quiet walk with God. A student might find peace in a quiet corner of the library between classes.
Remember, God knows your season of life. He’s not expecting perfect silence or hours of uninterrupted meditation. He simply invites you to turn your heart toward Him in whatever way you can right now. Sometimes, stillness might look like whispering “Thank you, Lord” as you rock a fussy baby, or breathing a quick prayer for wisdom before an important meeting.
The Heart of the Matter
At its core, being still and knowing God is about relationship. It’s about creating space in our lives to experience God’s presence and learn to recognize His voice. Think of it as developing your spiritual awareness – like learning to hear a particular voice in a crowded room because you know it so well.
The beautiful thing about this journey is that it’s not about performing or achieving. It’s about receiving – receiving God’s love, His peace, His wisdom, and His perspective on our lives. As we learn to be still, we begin to notice that God has been present all along, waiting to show us more of who He is.
Your Next Step
Starting this journey of stillness doesn’t require a complete life overhaul. Begin where you are. Choose one small moment in your day to practice being still with God. Maybe it’s when you first wake up, or during your morning coffee, or even as you’re falling asleep at night. The specific time matters less than your intention to meet God there.
As you continue this practice, you’ll likely find that these moments of stillness become precious to you – little oases in your day where you can pause, breathe, and remember who God is and who you are as His beloved child.
Let’s Talk!
When do you feel closest to God? Share a moment when you experienced His presence in an unexpected way. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.
