What Does It Mean to "Be Still and Know That I Am God"?

Part 3 of the “What Does It Mean?” devotional Bible study

“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

The command to “be still” is everywhere is Christian culture these days. Praise music reminds us to be still. T-shirts declare we are being still. Coffee mugs welcome us to be still.

Unfortunately, with rampant commercialization, the command to “be still, and know that I am God” has become… ordinary. It is now one of those verses everyone can quote, but few truly understand.

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So, what does it mean to “be still”?

“Be still” is not the Bible giving us permission to grab a cup of coffee and take a break for a while. (Though, there is nothing wrong with doing that once in a while.)

The command to be still is not supposed to be a once in a while occurrence. Being still is supposed to be a way of life for Christians, particularly during times of trials.

In the context of this Psalm, “be still” means to stop fighting or striving. In times of trials, in particular, we have to let go of our frantic need to grab and maintain control of the situation.

So, what does it mean to “know that I am God”?

Psalm 46:10 is a two parter. First, we need to be still. Then, we need to know that he is God.

In order to know and fully comprehend that he is God, we must first be still.

We cannot know God or his sovereignty if we are busy trying to grab control of our situation.

To know God is to grasp the awesomeness of his power and glory and goodness. These are deep thoughts that don’t always come easily to us.

To know that he is God is to understand that he can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants, however he wants. (Faith, incidentally, is trusting that he is good in all he does.)

This is where the context of Psalm 42 matters. It is believed by Bible scholars that the Psalmist is actually writing these words to God’s enemies.

The enemies of God are attacking God’s people with no thought beyond killing and winning the battle. The writer is saying to them, “Stop. Do you not realize you are fighting God? And God is so much bigger than you will ever comprehend.”

John Calvin, in his commentary on this passage, writes this:

“The Psalmist seems now to turn his discourse to the enemies of the people of God, who indulge their lust of mischief and revenge upon them: for in doing injury to the saints they do not consider that they are making war against God.”

Calvin continues:

“In short, the Psalmist exhorts the world to subdue and restrain their turbulent affections, and to yield to the God of Isreal the glory which he deserves; and he warns them, that if they proceed to act like madmen, his power is not enclosed within the narrow limits of Judea, and that it will be no difficult matter for him to stretch forth his arm afar to the Gentiles and heathen nations, that he may glorify himself in every land.”