What does it mean to be still and know that I am God?

Response

This well-known saying originates from Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; / I will be exalted among the nations, / I will be exalted in the earth.”

This verse is part of a larger passage in the Scripture that declares the strength and protection of God. Although the specific threat faced by the psalmist is not mentioned, it appears to be related to the pagan nations and a plea for God to bring an end to the tumultuous conflict. Here is the complete psalm:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’ The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

It is noteworthy that most of the psalm is written in the third person as the psalmist talks about God. However, in verse 10, God’s voice is heard, and the Lord speaks in the first person: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Be still. This is an invitation for those facing challenges to calm themselves and acknowledge the sovereignty of God.The command to cease fighting, to be still, originates from the Hebrew word “rapa,” which means “to slacken, let down, or cease.” This word can also imply “to drop, be weak, or faint.” It signifies two individuals engaged in combat until someone intervenes, causing them to lower their weapons. Only after the conflict has ceased can the warriors express their reliance on God. Christians often interpret the directive to “be still” as “to be quiet in God’s presence.” While quietness is beneficial, the phrase actually urges individuals to halt frantic activities, relax, and be still. For God’s people, being “still” entails seeking the Lord for assistance (cf. Exodus 14:13); for God’s adversaries, being “still” means refraining from fighting a futile battle.

“Know that I am God” implies properly recognizing and acknowledging God’s presence. How does acknowledging God influence our stillness? Understanding that He is omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, holy, sovereign, faithful, infinite, and good allows us to trust Him and submit to His will.

“I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Despite the temptation for Israel to form alliances with foreign nations, God reminds them that ultimately He alone is exalted. God emerges victorious and will establish peace. During Isaiah’s era, Judah sought assistance from the Egyptians, despite God’s warnings. Judah did not require Egyptian strength; they needed to rely on the Lord: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

When we are calm and yield to God, we discover

Find peace even when the earth gives way, the mountains fall (verse 2), or the nations go into an uproar and kingdoms fall (verse 6). When life becomes overwhelming and busyness takes precedence, remember Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Seek Him, lay down your weapons, and rest in His arms. Acknowledge that He is God and that He is exalted in the earth. Be still and know that He is God.