At tea with a dear friend, she shared her new understanding of the phrase “Be still.” We had been sharing about life’s challenges and the struggle to let God lead the journey. During a Bible study she had learned the Hebrew meaning of the word and it changed everything.
Like many, the phrase, “be still” has meant to quiet oneself, to slow down and listen for God, and to have patience. It is something I have always struggled to do so the phrase has brought comfort when I’m stressed and unsure what God’s plan is. I have often retreated to a time of extended prayer when trying to discern what’s next. That is not wrong but it is also not enough. It is part of what God calls us to but it is missing a critical piece.
10 He says, “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 NIV)
Be still in Psalm 46:10 comes from the Hebrew word raphah (רָפָה), which literally means to “let go,” or “cease striving.” Rather than just being silent, it is a command to stop struggling, surrender control, and trust in God’s power. This is so much more than simply being quiet and listening for God. This is surrender which requires a high level of trust.
To let go or to stop striving is much harder, for me, than being quiet and listening. I have always struggled to surrender control, to trust, which is probably why it was so perfect for my friend to share this with me. It has been rattling around since and challenging my struggles.
Do you struggle to let go, to surrender to God? Has being still meant being in quiet prayer? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.