7 June 2021 - Be still and know that I am God

This verse *Psalm 46:10 (BSB) “Be still and know that I am God”, is a popular verse used to encourage believers to be still and silent before the Lord. While this interpretation promotes a healthy rest in the presence of the Lord, it should further be understood as a command to wake up, stop striving, and acknowledge God for who He is, allowing Him to do what only He can do. The different Bible versions clearly highlights the meaning of what it means to “be still” is.

Psalm 46:10 (NASB) "Cease striving and know that I am God”

Psalm 46:10 (CSB) "Stop your fighting, and know that I am God”

Psalm 46:10 (CEV) “Our God says, "Calm down, and learn that I am God!”

Psalm 46:10 (ISV) “Be in awe and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10 (ABPE) “Return and know that I AM GOD.”

Psalm 46:10 (GWT) “Let go ! Then you will know that I am God.”

Psalms 46:10-11 ERV God says, “Stop fighting and know that I am God! I am the one who defeats the nations; I am the one who controls the world.” 11 The Lord All-Powerful is with us.”

The context of verse 10 is war. The setting is a battlefield. In this war, God protects his people and brings the nations into submission. Psalm 46.10 is God entering the battlefield of the raging nations and defeating them by his voice. “Be still, and know that I am God,” this is not directed at God’s people, but at the nations. It is directed at the enemies of God. It is a command; God brings desolations upon his opponents. Be still and know is the battle-cry of the Lord directed at his enemies. It is God entering the war and claiming victory by the power of his voice. The ERV translation helps us to see this, “Stop fighting and know that I am God! I am the one who defeats the nations; I am the one who controls the world.”

It is easy to be fearful when things are not going well or when you are faced with challenges and conflict in your life. During struggle, however, God tells you to wake up and recognise that God is on your side.

*Stop striving, stop fighting, and stop trying to do things on your own. Stop stressing about the battle ahead and trust God. You have nothing to fear or worry about when God is with you. God will fight your battles and deal with your enemies. Be patient, be still, and let God do His work. “Be still” means to settle down, to stop all the striving and fighting and realise that God is in charge. So, for you to be still means to stop striving. It is to stop believing that your own efforts can somehow bring security or advancement.

Exodus 14:14 (NIV) “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”_

Psalm 37:7 (NIV) “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him”_