“Be Still” doesn’t mean what you think it does…

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

Take a minute and meditate on this verse right now.

Be Still.

This phrase is actually derived from the Hebrew word rapha which means “to be weak, to let go, to release.” Essentially, it means surrender.

And know.

This phrase, in its original Hebrew, taken together with “Be Still,” actually contains the meaning “in order to know.” So, you can tweak the wording to be “Surrender – in order that you may know…” Unlike those tangible realities in our everyday life, that can be perceived simply by their existence, God’s truth is that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we surrender ourselves, our lives, our will, our desires, to Him, He is able to more fully reveal Himself to us and we are more able to fully experience Him. Can you trust God enough to let go of those things you’re clinging to so tightly, in order that you may know a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him? What would it mean for you to release that thing to Him?

That I am God.

Surrender yourself in order that you may know that I am God… your refuge; your strength; your present help in trouble; your comforter and King in uncertain times; your security; your center; your steadfast ruler; the commander of the universe; the Lord of Hosts; the God of Jacob; the Victorious One; the One before whom every knee shall bow, on earth and in Heaven.

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Surrender… what does that mean? What does that even look like in real life? In war, surrendering means dropping your weapons, putting down your shields, forsaking your current leadership and its agenda and acquiescing to the will of another. To me, personally, surrendering looks like setting aside all the ways I protect myself and my pride, laying down those weapons that defend me against pain and criticism, and turning my back on all the idols I have allowed to have authority over my life: Pride. Shame. Envy. Pleasing Others. Fear of failure. Fear {a lot of fear}.

Rather than “being still” being a passive act, like just sitting back and doing nothing and waiting for something to happen, what if “being still” –> SURRENDERING –> actually means giving up all attempts at self-preservation?

In other words, what if surrendering is taking that step that nothing in me wants to take?

If we look at examples in scripture, we see several men and women initially resisting God – or a situation He has called them to – with totally reasonable, understandable excuses: “I’m too young. I don’t know how to speak!” (Jeremiah); “I’m just a nobody. How can I go to the king and lead the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Moses); “How can this happen? I’ve never known a man…!” (Mary); “If a woman goes to the king without being called, they will be put to death!” (Esther). In each circumstance, the person did not necessarily want to do the thing that God was asking them to do. They did not want to risk failure or death or public shaming. Their initial response was to protect themselves physically and emotionally. But God’s promise of presence – of being known – enabled them to fully surrender to His Will.

True surrender means risking embarrassment or grief or conflict or critique or pain or pride in order to do the very thing God has called us to do.

So, when life is swirling around you and you’re feeling overwhelmed, how can you “be still” and surrender in order to experience the glory of God?

Step 1: Identify the problem. What is it that is overwhelming you? WHY do you feel drawn to “be still”?

Step 2: Identify what you are most anxious about. What is at the root of your fear/overwhelm/grief?

Step 3: Identify what response to the problem makes your stomach churn… What response makes your body tighten with fear or worry? What response would leave you most vulnerable?

Step 4: Given your answers to step 3, consider that God often calls people to walk forward blindly, to step into uncomfortable, sometimes dangerous roles and to do the very thing they fear the most.

Is God calling you to take that step (#3) that nothing in you wants to take?

Remember: the goal of being still, of surrendering, is in order to know God.

And, as with Jeremiah and Moses and Mary and Esther, it is God’s promise of presence that will give you the strength to walk forward in faith. “…for God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Be still and know that I am God…

What does surrender look like for you? What is God calling you to release or surrender to Him right now? Do the Hebrew meanings change the way you think about this verse?