Be Still and Know
THE CENTER OF THE CYCLONE
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
In the British Royal Navy, when disaster occurs at sea, a piece entitled “The Still,” is piped. It gives the sailors a few moments to get their whereabouts, to think back over their training, and to take up their stations calmly, so preventing confusion and catastrophe. How often in this feverish world we need to listen to God’s “Still.”
This Psalm has been called “A song of confidence sung by a trusting soul amidst the tempest shock.” It ends on a restful note but begins with an earthquake shock, a violent tempest, with boisterous winds and waves. Suddenly all is at peace at the awareness of God.
The Apostle Paul urged the Thessalonians to “study to be quiet”; a better translation might be, “Aspire to live quietly.” If that is our aspiration, then the Psalmist gives us a twofold secret:
I. An attitude of heart: “Be still”
Be still translates a wonderful Hebrew word meaning “slacken off.” Today many practice the art of relaxation, some by lying on bed or floor, others by sitting in a comfy chair. All follow the same procedure: beginning with the head and neck, then proceeding down the chest, back, arms, trunk, legs, feet and toes, we tighten up and then Jet go each muscle, becoming aware first of tension then of complete relaxation. We also need to cultivate spiritual relaxation, even slacking off from our “meeting-itis” and having a quiet evening at home with our Bible, a Christian biography, or some devotional commentary.
A farmer lost his watch in the harvest field. He could not find it until all the machinery had stopped working. Then, kneeling down he plainly heard its tick. So we have to be still and quiet if we would hear God speak to us.
The same Hebrew word can mean “draw towards evening,” the time of day when all is calm and still. That was the time when two disciples walked the Emmaus road and Jesus drew near.
The word can also be translated “let be” or “desist.” We must learn to “let go and let God” if we would know this stillness.
Jehovah-rophi, the God-who-heals, incorporates this word within himself; He is the God who stills us and so brings peace and wholeness to our minds and bodies.
II. An attitude of mind: “And know”
We cannot know until we are perfectly still. “I haven’t time to be still,” says modern man. God says, “Make time.” The word the Psalmist uses for “know” means “observe”—“Be still and observe Me.” During the Second World War Great Britain had its Observor Corps, men and women who observed the skies, looking for enemy aircraft. So we must spend time observing God: His Being, His works and His ways.
The Hebrew word can also be interpreted “recognize”—“Be still and recognize Me.” The aim of the Observor Corps was to recognize the aircraft’s markings and identify it as friend or foe. How we need to be still and recognize God’s working in our lives, His hand upon us in trial and trouble as well as triumph; in sickness and sorrow as well as in prosperity.
“Comprehend” is another meaning of the word translated “know”—“Be still and understand all about Me.” Understand that my ways, times, thoughts, and methods are not yours.
“Fraternization” is also a possible translation—“Be still and become closely acquainted with Me.” Walk with Me as Enoch did. Not a nodding acquaintance but an intimate one. Do not sigh: “Oh, for a closer walk with God,” but sing, “So shall my walk be close with God.”
It is said that in the center of the cyclone is a place of calm. So in the middle of trouble there is a God who is “a very present help in trouble.”
Part II