Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
A long time ago, I heard something on the radio that changed the way I studied the bible. A pastor was giving tips for getting the most out of our time meditating on one verse at a time. One of the best suggestions, in my opinion, was to emphasize one word or phrase in the verse and think about just how that little word effects the rest of the verse and how it applies to your life. I’m going to show you how it works, and hopefully it’s gonna encourage the socks off of you, like it does me!
BE still and know that I am God.
I think God is much more interested in who we are than in what we DO. Yes, what we do matters, but what happens when our ability to “do” goes away, for whatever reason?Sometimes, “being” is the hardest thing we’ll ever attempt in life. Personally, I’m still working on it! This verse doesn’t want us to do much of anything! Except……
BE STILL and know that I am God.
The only action He wants us to take sometimes is NO ACTION! Just stop it! Occasionally, He will force us to be still, using some kind of physical calamity. So if this you, take a look at your life and ask yourself: Am I moving too fast? Too much? Am I missing my own life? Or someone else’s? Honestly, it could actually be more of a gift than you might think.
One of the definitions for the word “still” is, “remaining in place.” I really like that! We need to remain in place, and let God take care of all the chaos that is simmering all around us, trying to knock us off balance. Remain in place and know that He is God.
Be still and KNOW that I am God.
The word “know” means “to perceive or understand clearly and with certainty.” Someone once said that “worry is doubting who is in charge.” Are we “certain” that God’s got this? I must admit I have my days where I completely trust Him, and my days where….not so much. I just want to have a flashlight on this dark road. But usually, we don’t get one. And we need to be okay with that. Because that’s faith! Certain of what we don’t or can’t see!
Be still and know that I am God.
This is simple, but powerful. HE is God! Not me!!! He is in charge of my life, and I am not even a vice president in the corporation of PAM. I might be a doorman, but that’s about it! If I could just stop the occasional battle for control of PAM, I’d be the happiest doorman ever.
Be still and know that I AM God.
The God of the Old Testament, the God of the great and amazing miracles centuries ago, just so happens to be the same God today. I love that little word, “am.” Moses had no idea what a deep concept God was throwing out there when He was burning through a bush! I don’t know about you, but I am so comforted by the thought that He has never changed since before time began! He has always been just, holy, full of grace, mercy,has always been a promise-keeper, and has ALWAYS loved his children, especially the really bad ones!
In the context of this verse, God is telling us that we can remain in place and know with certainty that He will take care of our pain, our trouble, our struggles, our heartbreaks. How do we know? Because that’s what He told Moses, and that’s what He tells us all.
“God, please get me through this horrible pain!”
His answer?
“I AM.”
“Please heal my loved one.”
“I AM.”
“Please get me through this financial crisis!”
“I AM.”
“Please remind me how much you love me.”
“I AM.”
Are you in love with this word yet???
When I look at this verse, through each word, it comes alive to me, and says so much more than it did just as a whole.
My study tips are free of charge. 😉
today I have been in bed all day only getting up to br and check food meds and even though I have been getting this blog for a long time I saw your message in a new way. if you can do it so can I [study] because actually one word at a time is all that will stick in my mind. thank you and don’t give up because you have met my need today. Jesus always meets my need but today He used you.
Just a few words with so much meaning to them…”Be still, and know that I am God.” It only requires 2 actions…1 – to be still; 2 – to have the knowledge that He is God… We are not in charge, He is. We are not all knowing, He is. We are not perfect, He is. With so many distractions it’s difficult to stay focused sometimes. Thus the reminder…”Be still…” Thank you for the reminder to “Be still and know that” He is God.
🙂
Psalm 46:10 is one of my go to scriptures for peace! I can so relate to this. Thank you for posting!
I like the last line. My tips are free of charge. 🙂 Funny! – Thank you for sharing. I heard a pastor give that same advice about reading the bible. A sort of word study. I like it. Charlene – https://faithtoraisenate.com
Last year, I started the year going through Psalm 23 and wrote several blogs about the words:
The
Lord
Is
My
Shepherd…..
so much meaning…thanks for sharing with others how to do this! Makes the Bible so real, personal, and alive!
Excellent blog post! A reminder we all need. Have a lovely day.
What a wonderful thing to know that He is I AM, without a doubt. I love the peace that comes with the knowing. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that when you are going through a difficult time. Love it!
I love this reminder! I studied this verse a few months ago and found that the “be still” portion literally means “cease from striving and be like a person whose arms are hanging in a relaxed posture.” What a powerful reminder that we can’t be clinging to a million little things with white knuckles if our arms are hanging slackened!
Awesome! I love that!!
That is one of my favorite scriptures! I love that you pointed out what happens when we can no longer do. Sometimes we get so caught up doing we forget he is God!
Great insight. I love the concept of focusing on just a word or a few words of Scripture at a time (that’s the entire concept of my own blog). I AM. Three letters, two words, ONE POWERFUL GOD. Holding this in my heart today!
I’ve always liked these verses. I love to dig into them to 🙂
I marvel every day that I AM wants me to know Him. He is the answer to our prayers! Beautiful word of encouragement! Thank you!
Thank you, Deb.😊
I love the break down of the word and explantations. Thank you for this reminder!