Be still and know that I am God

Be still and know that I am God


One of my favourite pieces of band music to listen to is Philip Rayment’s ‘Be Still and Know’. The music reflects the reality of life, with quiet, reflective moments, building into loud crescendos. The words associated with this music, based on Pslam 46:10, simply say ‘Be still and know that I am God.’

It's a simple command, yet profound in its depth. In a world that never seems to stop spinning, where the noise of life drowns out the whispers of the soul, these words cut through like a beacon in a storm. “Be still.” How often do we truly do that? How often do we pause, let our hearts settle, and simply breathe in the presence of God?

Life is full of crescendos. There are moments when the noise of worry rises to a deafening roar. The unknowns of tomorrow, the burdens of today—they build and build until we can hardly think, let alone hear the still, small voice that says, “Be still.” But that’s exactly when we need to listen most.

We don’t need to have all the answers. We don’t need to solve every problem or carry every burden. We don’t need to know what the next step will be. All we need is to trust. To be still and know that He is God.

God is not just a concept to be studied or a distant deity to be feared. God is the One who defeated death, who conquered the grave, who broke the chains of sin and despair. God is the One who tells us not to worry about tomorrow, for God holds it in their hands. God is the One who invites the weary and the burdened to come to them and find rest.

Imagine that. Rest. In a world that demands we always be more, do more, and know more, God simply says, “Be still.” Rest in Me. Know that I am here, and I am enough.

It’s not about having a faith that never questions or doubts. It’s about finding peace in the presence of the One who is bigger than our questions and doubts. It’s about letting go of our need to control and embracing the truth that we are held by the One who controls all things.

He is the God who does immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine. The God who spoke the stars into existence and knows each one by name. The God who sees every sparrow and counts the hairs on our heads. The God who parted the seas, calmed the storm, and walked on water. This is the God who invites us to be still.

So when the noise of life reaches a fever pitch, when the questions swirl and the doubts creep in, remember God’s invitation. Be still and know that God is God. Not just in the quiet moments, but in the chaos. Not just in the answered prayers, but in the waiting. Not just in the mountaintops, but in the valleys.

Be still and know. Not because you have it all figured out, but because God does. Not because the storm has ceased, but because God is in the boat with you. Be still and know that the One who loves you beyond measure, who gave their life for you, who defeated death itself, is God. And that is enough.

Take a moment to listen to Be Still and Know by Philip Rayment: 

https://youtu.be/Q59nKItHT3E?si=KSD03sov7wA75DYy

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