The phrase “be still” appears quite a few times throughout scripture. Perhaps probably the most well-known is Psalm 46, where the psalmist reflects on the might and majesty of the Lord our God, who’s our refuge and strength and who fights our battles, for we belong to him. As the Lord God says to his people,
“Be still, and know that I’m God; I might be exalted among the many nations, I might be exalted within the earth.”
The original Hebrew utilized in this verse for still is rapa, intending to hang limp, to sink, to be feeble or weak, or to be lazy or falter. What God is saying here to his people is that we will rest in all our human frailty, for he doesn’t need us to attain success. He is the “Great I Am,” and he’ll prevail. We can rest easy knowing God has all the issues of the world under his control. Another verse urging “be still” is available in Psalm 37:7, where the psalmist urges us,
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; don’t fret when people achieve their ways, after they perform their wicked schemes.”
Here, the unique Hebrew is damam, intending to stand still, to be silent and quiet, to rest, or to stop. The implication here is we will calm down, stop fussing, and easily wait patiently for God to act.
Another “be still” is available in Exodus 14:14, when the Israelites are desperately afraid of the Egyptians chasing after them. Stand firm, Moses says here, explaining, “The Lord will fight for you; you wish only to be still.” This original Hebrew word for “be still” is hares, intending to be quiet or silent, to turn out to be deaf, or to make no move. Freeze, Moses is saying. Don’t say or do anything. God is leading this battle.
In the New Testament, we also find “be still.” For instance, in Mark 4:39 when the disciples are terrified after a storm arises on the lake, Jesus commands the wind and waves, “‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” This “be still” in the unique Greek is phimoo, intending to muzzle or to silence, to quiet or to be quiet.
Whether stillness means immovability or weakness or literal silence with the absence of words, it’s a robust concept implying ultimate, complete give up. Instead of rushing from side to side of our own accord, we’re still, silent, waiting on the Lord, utterly depending in faith upon his love and care. Being still was essential for the early Israelites and Christians to practice, and it is crucial for us today. Here, let’s take a have a look at ten ways to “be still” and give up to the Lord in our every day lives.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Ben White
