My thoughts on this important theme have come from an article written by Ramon J. Canals recorded in the March 2023 issue of the magazine Ministry.
The basis for this article is the scripture in Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46 is a song written by David to the leader of the Korahites telling them that God is present among them. These people were descendants from the Sons of Korah. They were an important branch of singers from the Korathite Division. The sons were musical worship leaders appointed by David and their role was to lead processions of followers towards the worship of God.
At the time of writing this song David must have felt the need to express this message, because of the role the Korahites were playing in worship of their God. It was to remind them of their important role and to challenge them to continue to draw close to their God.
This scripture is a daily reminder for each of us of the most important thing in our lives – to know God. It is reminding us that we must “be still” in order to get to know our God.
And yet, how can we be still when there seems to be so much to do in our lives? Our lives are becoming increasingly challenging for us to find the time to be still.
I can hear God’s voice saying to me, “Be still, and know Me. I want to have a personal relationship, intimate relationship with you. You need to be still for our relationship to grow.” Unfortunately, our reply is usually, “But God, I have so much to do. How can I find time to be still?”
God speaks to us in silence. But silence can make us uncomfortable – we need noise and action around us to be comfortable in our surroundings. So, when we are busy doing “things” it is very difficult to be still. There are times when we do stop and become still. But even then thoughts come into our heads telling us that in doing nothing seems to be a waste of time to us. I know from experience that even during our devotional times, our minds can be restless, and we do not enter into real communion with God.
Author Ellen G. White writes in her book, Education (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1903 P. 260), “An intensity such as never before seen is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in moneymaking, in the contest for power, in every struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrosses body and mind and soul. In the midst of this maddening rush, God is speaking. He bids us come apart and commune with Him: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
On pages 260 and 261 of her book, White writes: “Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ’s loving presence, pausing perhaps for a moment within sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to work.
“These workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tried brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened.
“Not a pause for a moment in His presence, but personal contact with Christ, to sit down in companionship with Him – this is our need.”
God loves you so much that He invites you into a closer relationship with Him amid the silence. Be still and know that He is God.
Bill Gillard