Verse of the Day:
"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 ESV
This verse has provided comfort for multitudes of believers. When reading this verse in context, we see that it comes from a longer section of Scripture that proclaims the power and security of God. Let's break down the verse into some phrases, in order to gain a better understanding.
Be still:
The original word for "still" is a translation of the Hebrew word raphah (רָפָה), which means to slacken, let down or cease. In other instances, in the Bible, we see this word carrying the idea of "to drop, be weak, or faint." Simply put, this phrase, "be still," at the beginning of Psalm 46:10 connotes two people fighting unit someone separates them. It's only after their fighting has stopped that they can acknowledge their trust in God. Often times, we see Christians interpreting the command of "be still" similarly to something along the lines of "to be quiet and recognize God's presence." And while this isn't a bad practice, and is certainly helpful, this phrase implies something different. Instead, we're being told to stop our frantic actions and to let down and be still. Don't fight a battle you cannot win, instead, be still and look to the Lord for your help.
Know that I am God:
In this next phrase, the word "know" is the Hebrew word, yada` (יָדַע). In this instance, this word means to "properly ascertain by seeking" and "acknowledge, be aware." How does acknowledging God impact our stillness? It implies that we can trust Him and surrender to His plan because we understand who He is through His Word. We know that He is: omniscient (1 John 3:20; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 139:4), omnipresent (Jeremiah 23:24; Proverbs 15:3; Colossians 1:17)
omnipotent (Revelation 19:6; Ephesians 1:19; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37)
holy (Psalm 22:3; Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; Isaiah 43:15; 1 Samuel 2:2)
sovereign (Isaiah 46:10; Romans 9:19-21; Luke 1:37; Job 42:2)
infinite (Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 40;28; Psalm 147:5),
and good (Mark 10:18; Nehemiah 9:20; Psalm 143:10; 1 Timothy 4:4).
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth:
Especially in the current times that we're experiencing, this part of this verse is powerful. When we are still and acknowledging God, we find peace when the earth gives way. We find peace when our nation upheaves itself (Psalm 46:6). We find peace when the mountains fall (Psalm 46:2). When life becomes overwhelming this is how we find peace.
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1
Now think about this verse again as you go about your day with this new understanding. Run to him, look to the Lord for your help and stop fighting a battle you cannot win, but instead in your weakness the Lord is strong. Acknowledge that He is God and that He is the one to be exalted in the earth. Be still and know that He is God.
