Actively Being Still

June 28th, 2022

Part 3 of Rest for the Weary Soul series

I have had multiple pet cats over the years. They all have had very different personalities, colors and shapes but all have had one thing in common...how they hunt. If you stop and watch a cat, they crouch down really low and get extremely still, always with their eye on the prize. The cats were very still, yet actively hunting. There is a difference between being still and doing nothing.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Be still and know...hmmm. What do you struggle with the most: being still or doing nothing? Maybe both? It may help to remember that there is a difference between being still and doing nothing.

In order to fully understand this verse, we must look at it within the context of the chapter. The psalmist is seemingly going through a hardship or experiencing some turmoil in his life (can anyone relate?).

^{Enjoy this vintage Sweet To The Soul graphic also usable as a phone lockscreen}

The theme of Psalms 46 is the greatness of God and His ability to care for things beyond our abilities. The Psalmist shares in Psalm 46 that: God is our refuge, His home is our home, He provides our security and He is our safe place. These truths remind us that God is greater than any enemy that we may face. God wants us to stop our futile efforts in dealing with this world when, in reality, it is His domain. He desires that we are still and trusting that he is able.

“Be still,” is not referring to the stance of our body, but the stance of our heart.

We can and need to stand still and position our heart in awe of God as we trust in Him. We must stop fighting in our own strength and allow God to be God. We must keep our eye on the prize. “Be still” is not a call to relax. It is an urgent directive to remember who God is, even in unsettling times. Remember, even when you are wrestling with God, you are still in His presence.

We should be still and:

Know that He is our refuge and strength (v.1)
Know that He is an ever-present help in times of trouble (v.1)
Know that He is within you and you will not fail (v. 5)
Know that He will help you (v. 5)
Know that He is with us (v. 7)
Know that He will cease wars (v. 9)
Know that He is our fortress (v. 11)

As we grow to know Him more intimately, we can clearly see all that He is doing. 1 Samuel 12:16 proclaims, “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!”

Let’s be women who move aside and let God take His rightful place as God. There is a difference between being still and doing nothing.

Psalm 46 _{^{[English Standard Version]}}

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Psalm 46 ESV

Lord, we trust that you are able. We only need to be still before you. Help us trust that you are our help in a time of trouble and our joy always. Help us see what you are doing as we position our hearts to be still and know you intimately. Help us to remember that there is a difference between being still and doing nothing. In Jesus' name, Amen

Blessings Soul Friends,

Donna

Diving Deeper

Pick one of the seven attributes listed above from Psalm 46. Make the verse personal to you. Put your name in the verse. Then look to see if you can find a cross reference. Example: Psalm 46:5 (NIV) - “God is within me; I will not fall; God will help me at break of day” (and all the day through). Cross reference: Psalm 143:8

Spend some time praying to become a woman who can move aside and let God take his rightful place in your heart. How can you allow this new heart awareness to know beyond a shadow of a doubt who God is in your life?

Resources

You might also enjoy the additional blog post in this series: Rest for the Weary Soul

Donna Fender is known for her ability to bring laughter and joy to a room with her thoughtful stories and beautiful voice. Her gift of sharing God’s love through song leaves women resting at the foot of the cross as they grow closer to Jesus note by note. Connect with Donna at faithfullyfollowingministries.org.