Be Still and Know

Psalm 46 is one of my favourite Bible passages. I love how trouble and strife are

acknowledged as an integrated part of the human experience. But even before this,

verse 1 reminds us that “God is OUR refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” He is there for us all, an intertwined, always present part of any difficulty we encounter. When trouble shows up, God is always with us, ready to be our hiding place (refuge) while He fights for us (strength). And the word ‘OUR’ reminds us that through Jesus, this grace is available to EVERYONE…we just need to turn to Him and trust Him.

I ‘know’ that God is more than enough for any situation; it tells us that in Psalm 46! But I am discovering the difference between ‘head knowledge’ and ‘heart knowing’. I trust God, but honestly, it’s not my first response when that fully anticipated trouble predictably makes its entrance into my day. Graciously, further into the Psalm, God provides the wisdom and insight we need to fully know how to put this into action… (v10) Be still and KNOW that I am God. This requires intimacy and connecting with the one that you are ‘doing’ for.

Four little words unlock how to arrive there.

Be Still and Know.

Do you know how to just ‘be’? How close are you to burnout? Do you feel exhausted, snappy, that one more thing could tip you over the edge? I often remind myself that I am a human ‘being’ not a human ‘doing’. And here, our Creator God is commanding us to ‘be’, to find stillness and peace in this crazy life; to always seek out rest and to take time to contemplate the world whilst sitting alongside Him. I am learning that quiet time is not praying whilst you drive, cook dinner or rush to a meeting. To ‘be’ requires my full attention.

Be still Stop. Position yourself to the Lord. Listen.

Build a relationship with God. Just ‘be’ – He has control of everything; He is our refuge and strength. When we ‘be’ it positions God in His rightful place. For me, being ‘still’ sounds like something out of my reach; A fanciful idea; A concept that will require brain decluttering. Honestly, it takes 5-10 min as to-do lists keep running through my busy mind, but the following 10 mins bring God-honouring meditation as I discover ‘stillness’. This habit has required practise, discipline and even scheduling time with God.

This week I learnt two things that brought me back to Psalm 46 once again ‘Be still’ in Hebrew translates as, let go, release, surrender.

Worship is ‘knowing’ who you are ‘doing’ for.

I encourage you to read Psalm 46 and embrace Godly stillness and transform your life with the way you respond to everyday difficulties and troubles that arise on this earth. Listen for God’s voice, “Be still and know that I am God”. And always reach out if you need support to action this.

Our team is now taking bookings for 2025, please reach out via our website today and complete a booking enquiry, we would love to help you find more stillness in your life.

Meet the author Mel Newcombe

Hi, I'm Mel, I was originally a schoolteacher from rural NSW, my husband and I travelled around Australia before a move to the South Coast with our 2 children. I have been a Christian all my life and I have a masters in bio, psycho, social, spiritual counselling. I love the way faith and hope play an integral role in mental health and enjoy exploring the unique and complex way God has created each of us. I believe ‘talk’ therapy should also involve ‘doing’ and I help children explore their inner world through fun, therapeutic interactions.