Be Still and Know That I am God

Today, I want to share one of my favorite Bible verses, one that has carried me through some of the hardest times in my life. This verse has been a source of strength, peace, and reassurance when I needed it most, and I feel led to share what it means to me.

I want to be clear, I’m not a theologian or a Bible scholar. I’m simply someone on a journey, learning and growing in faith every day. These are just my personal reflections, and I hope they resonate with you in some way.

Common Misinterpretations of this verse

First, I want to start with some common misinterpretations of this verse. A couple of weeks ago, my friend told me about a conversation he had with a church sister. She was venting about everything she had on her plate, so many deadlines, so many responsibilities, and the weight of it all was overwhelming. In the midst of her stress, she said she tried to reflect on the Bible verse be still. But instead of feeling comforted, she found herself questioning: How could she be still when she had so much to do?

As soon as my friend told me this, I immediately responded, That’s not what ‘be still’ means. I was passionate about this verse because I had come to understand its true meaning, and I knew his church sister had gotten it completely wrong.

Be Still and Know That I am God

This verse comes from a time when the psalmist was reflecting on the chaos and fear that often accompany natural disasters and political unrest. Despite these overwhelming challenges, the psalmist contrasts the uncertainty of the world with the unshakable peace and security found in God. In the midst of turmoil, the psalmist encourages us to “be still and know that I am God,” reminding us to pause, trust, and acknowledge God’s sovereignty. It’s a call to find peace and rest in His presence, no matter what external chaos we may face.

At first glance, this verse might seem like it’s simply encouraging us to stop moving. But it’s much deeper than that. “Be still” is an invitation to pause, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. It’s a call to quiet the noise in our minds and let go of the things we’re desperately trying to control. It’s about surrendering our worries to God and trusting that He is in control, even when life feels out of control.

In the case when the church sister was called to be still, it was a call to quiet the anxiety, the striving, and the fear. It was a reminder for her to realize that no matter how crazy life gets, God is still in control. This was the perfect moment for her to trust Him and understand that she wasn’t carrying the weight alone.

The second part of the verse, ‘and know that I am God,’ reminds us of God’s sovereignty and power. It challenges us to reflect on who God is, our Creator, Protector, and Provider. He sees what we cannot see, and His plans are greater than anything we could imagine. So, keep striving and keep working, but also remember to trust in the Lord, knowing that He is greater than all our worries and deadlines. Trust that, even in the midst of battles or our darkest moments, He will carry us through and take care of everything that concerns us.

How I Use “Be Still” in My Life

After graduating from university with a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacology, I worked relentlessly to find a job in my field. I lived in rural Jamaica, and my town was known for tourism. Most young people followed in their parents’ footsteps, becoming fishermen or working in hospitality. I knew I would have to look outside my hometown for better opportunities. But this was no easy task, and it came with many disappointments.

I sent out resumes, made calls, and did everything I could think of, but nothing was coming through. In the midst of this, I reminded myself to “be still and know that He is God.”

Being still didn’t mean I stopped doing what I was supposed to do. It simply meant knowing that I wasn’t alone and trusting that God was working, even when I couldn’t see it. I took up odd jobs just to survive, and I kept sending out applications and looking for better opportunities. Don’t get me wrong, there were many moments of worry, frustration, and doubt. I even felt embarrassed when my friends talked about the high-paying jobs they were doing and asked about me.

I contemplated lying to them and pretending that everything was great, but I chose honesty, even though I felt like they were judging me. Let’s be real, some of them were. But I stayed still, and no matter what others were saying about me, I knew He was God. Over time, I released my anxiety, acknowledged God’s presence in my efforts, and trusted in His timing. It was a reminder that while I had to do my part, He was working out the rest.

The impact of ‘Be Still’ in My Life

Those years also taught me about God’s timing. While some of my friends got better jobs and opportunities before me, that didn’t mean I was forgotten. We all have different journeys and seasons. What might seem like a delay in my life was actually God preparing me for something greater. Our timing is not always the same, but that doesn’t mean we’re behind or missing out. God’s plans for us are always better than our own, and they unfold in perfect time.

Now, years later, I’m living in the United States and working for a pharmaceutical company. It may not have happened when I wanted it to, but God was working out something far better than I could have ever imagined.

Not only did I leave my hometown, but I now live in one of the best countries in the world, and I’ve had the privilege to create this blog and share my story. I get to connect with people all over the world, showing how God works in our lives in ways we often don’t recognize at the time. His timing is perfect, and looking back, I see how everything led to this moment. God has always been there, even when I couldn’t see it.

‘Be Still’ When Faced with Allegations

Be still and know that I am God” can also apply when others allegedly spread false information about you. It’s tempting to rush and defend yourself, but sometimes the best approach is to trust God and remain calm. Instead of engaging in battles or trying to prove the lies, keep doing what’s right and let God handle the situation.

A relevant example is Justin Baldoni, who was allegedly involved in a situation where false information was spread about him. Instead of retaliating or defending himself publicly, Justin chose to stay focused on his life and work, trusting that God would resolve the issue. His legal team took action by filing a lawsuit, and while it’s still an ongoing process, the truth has started to come to light in the media. Justin didn’t need to get caught up in the drama or online arguments. He took legal action without engaging in anger.

Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing, it means trusting God, even when things seem at their worst. It’s about keeping your peace, knowing that God is working behind the scenes for your good. You don’t have to fight every battle; trust that God will take care of it in His perfect timing.

This verse is not about inaction, but about trusting God to work things out in His perfect timing.

This is just my interpretation of the issue. Even if Justin wasn’t intentionally being still and reflecting on this Bible verse, his actions align perfectly with its message. It serves as a powerful example of trusting God and maintaining peace, even in the face of challenging situations.

5 Tips on How to Be Still in Everyday Life

1. Start Your Day with Quiet Time

Set aside a few minutes every morning to sit in silence, pray, and reflect on God’s presence. This helps you begin your day grounded in His peace instead of rushing into the busyness of life. Consider reading a short Bible passage or meditating on a verse like Psalm 46:10.

2. Take Breaks to Disconnect

Throughout the day, intentionally step away from distractions like social media, your phone, or even work. Use this time to focus on God, breathe deeply, and remind yourself that He’s in control. Even a five-minute pause can bring clarity and calm.

3. Journal Your Worries and Surrender Them to God

Write down the things that are weighing on your heart. After writing, pray over them and ask God to take control. Journaling is a practical way to release your burdens and visually see how you’re surrendering your worries to Him.

4. Practice Gratitude in the Moment

When life feels overwhelming, pause and thank God for the little things around you, a beautiful sky, a kind word from someone, or even a meal you’re enjoying. Gratitude shifts your focus from your problems to God’s provision, helping you embrace stillness in your heart.

5. End Your Day with Reflection

Before bed, reflect on how God worked in your life that day. Pray and thank Him for carrying you through, even in the small moments. This habit helps you end your day with peace, trusting Him for tomorrow.

5 Tips to Help Be Still In Challenging Times

1. Pause and Acknowledge God’s Sovereignty

When challenges arise, remember that God is in control and sovereign over all situations. Pause, trust that He holds your future, and let His peace replace fear and doubt. Being still reminds you that God is bigger than any struggle you face.

2. Release the Need to Control Everything

Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s about surrendering control, trusting God with what you can’t handle, and continuing to do your part. Faith comes in when you keep working and striving while allowing God to handle the rest, creating space for Him to work in ways beyond your imagination.

3. Meditate on God’s Promises

In tough times, your mind can easily be flooded with doubt, worry, and fear. It’s in those moments that you need to root yourself in God’s promises. Scriptures like Isaiah 41:10 (“Do not fear, for I am with you”), Psalm 23:4 (“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil”), and Romans 8:28 (“All things work together for good to those who love God”) serve as anchors for your soul. By meditating on these promises, you remind yourself that no matter what you face, you are never alone. God is with you, and His word is a firm foundation on which you can stand.

4. Allow Yourself to Grieve, But Don’t Stay There

Being still doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay when it’s not. It’s okay to feel sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed during tough times. The stillness comes when you give yourself permission to feel, but you don’t let those feelings control you. Acknowledge your emotions, surrender them to God, and trust that He will walk you through the process. True peace isn’t the absence of pain; it’s trusting that God will turn your mourning into joy, your struggles into strength.

5. Trust God’s Timing, Even When It’s Hard

Waiting during challenging times can be one of the hardest tests of faith. You may be praying for answers or a breakthrough, but it feels like nothing is changing. In these moments, trust in God’s perfect timing. Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing, it means continuing to work, strive, and move forward while trusting that God is working behind the scenes. Let go of worry and stress, and know that in His perfect time, everything will fall into place.

Thank you for Joining me

Thank you for sticking with me throughout this explanation of what Psalm 46:10 means to me. I’d love to hear if you liked this post, as I have so many more like it that I want to share. Also, I’m excited to hear your favorite Bible verses and what they mean to you, please don’t be afraid to share!

In closing, I want to remind you: Being still doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means stopping long enough to recognize that you don’t have to do it all by yourself. It’s about surrendering your worries, trusting that God is in control, and giving Him the space to work. You continue to do your part, but stop trying to carry everything on your own. In His time, God will make a way, so while you wait, be still, knowing He’s got you.