Be still and know that I am God

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Be still - the word 'still' is translated from the Hebrew root word meaning 'to slacken'. It is further translated as 'cause to heal, repair, make whole'. This gives new meaning to God's admonition to be still. When circumstances around me drive me to the point where I feel like erupting like a volcano, God says 'be still, slacken the tension in your rope, and let Me heal'. When the climber is on the vertical rock face, everything is in tension: his rope, his harness, his muscles and his mind. But, after the climb, when he reaches level ground at the bottom of the cliff, the rope is slack and he can relax. God is telling His children, living in a busy world, to 'be still'.

And know that I am God - this is the experience of inner knowing. You cannot know until you have quieted down. You cannot experience peace until the wind, the earthquake, the fire have ceased. Then you will be able to hear the still, small voice of God. (See 1 Kings 19:11,12). The great "I AM" is speaking.

Our world is a busy place. It's easy to get caught up in the hum-drum. That's why we need to take time to get out of the rat-race, to pause and know that He is God. It is only in stillness, when every other voice is hushed, that we can hear the voice of God. Be still, and know.