Be Still and Know

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

I just blogged about a verse that brings me to that "be still" attitude. So I feel it's only right that I blog about the actual verse that uses the phrase.

Think about your day for a minute. How much time do you spend with electronics? No, this isn't a judgy blog about social media, games, or anything like that. If you know anything about me, you know I love having fun on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Electronics? Hello, you're reading my blog. Short for web log. Web, as in internet. Point is, most of us have something that takes a lot of our time. Social media, video games, work, hobbies--you get the idea.

So how often do we just stop and sit still? I remember my mother saying to me sometimes, "Sit still." I've said it about a million times to my own kids. Other people's kids even.

But it's more than just sitting still. Not moving. It's about an attitude of sitting in God's presence. An attitude of worship. Because look at the rest of the verse.

"... know that I am God."

We like to quote the first part in reverent tones, as if it's some magical incantation. But that second part of the sentence--not to mention the next two phrases--is so much more important. Because being still is great, but the knowing God part? That's the meat. That's the reward for that stillness.

And the next two phrases. Are those prophetic words from God, Himself? Or a command? "... I will be exalted!" Either way, the power in those words absolutely swamps the first two. So the next time you quote the verse, sure, go ahead and speak the first two words with quiet reverence. And then shout the next five, with no doubt, no hesitation, no room for questioning in your voice.

"... KNOW THAT I AM GOD."

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

• How can I make more time for sitting in God's presence? What can I rearrange or spend less time on?
• Practice saying that phrase with complete and utter conviction. Put it on a sticky note on your mirror, your computer monitor, your video game console, wherever it is you spend the most time.