Be Still and Know that I am God

Be Still and Know that I am God
Monday, October 13, 2025 by Melissa McLaughlin

By Melissa McLaughlin

Horns honked, and tempers flared. We were stuck in traffic heading to a holiday parade in a large city. Our car inched along the highway with miles to go. I peered through the window at the other motorists. Furrowed brows and weary eyes looked back at me.

When the traffic jam opened slightly, drivers from different lanes sped forward, forcing their vehicles into spaces where a car wouldn’t fit. We kept alert, ready for what felt like an imminent attack from every side. I can only thank God that we avoided an accident.

Finally, the parking area appeared ahead, like a sparkling pool after a long and parched desert trek. My husband reached out to pay the parking attendant and eased the car into an available space.

We breathed out slowly. After the stressful journey, it felt good just to sit.

This experience caused me to reflect on our need for stillness with God.

Psalm 46 contains a famous verse that warrants our attention daily in this matter.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 ESV).

Though only a short sentence, Psalm 46:10 contains mountains of biblical truth.

Fascinatingly, earlier portions of this Psalm describe catastrophic calamities contrasting this peaceful verse. The earlier verses, in Psalm 46:1-9, remind us that God is our refuge and strength even when mountains crash into the sea, when nations rage and kingdoms totter, and despite wars and desolations.

In this passage, the Psalmist declares that God stands triumphant and untouched over the fiercest natural and human destruction on earth. When all around us tempests swirl—whether natural disasters, chronic illness, broken relationships, uncertain job situations, wars, or unrest in our nation—as believers, we rest secure in the arms of God.

I find it especially interesting to note that the Psalmist writes the opening verses of Psalm 46 in the third person, detailing the world's chaos and writing about God. However, at verse ten an unmistakable change occurs.

At verse ten, God breaks in and speaks, “Be still and know that I am God.”

In these few power-packed words, Psalm 46:10 directs us to more than quietness. “Be still and know that I am God” includes the concept of surrender, laying down our weapons and opposition to God, acknowledging that He alone is God. He is the omnipotent One. The Sovereign LORD.

This phrase, “Be still and know that I am God,” teaches us to stop our frantic striving and cease fighting a battle we cannot win on our own.

From that place of reverent silence before the LORD, Psalm 46:10 continues to proclaim God’s unrivaled authority. For the rest of Psalm 46:10 reads:

“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”

Hallelujah! Almighty and Most High God reigns forever!

Although as Christians we will endure trials, hardships, and persecution, what a comfort to remember the safest place to be is in the center of God’s will.

What helps you be still and know that He is God?

Whatever we may face this day, let us surrender our will to His, look to the Lord, fall into His arms and trust Him, knowing His good purposes will prevail.

Psalm 46 (ESV)

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

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Comments

Karen Friday From TN At 10/19/2025 8:09:53 PM

Excellent insight, Melissa. I never thought about Psalm 46 beginning in third person, then this verse, God speaks directly to us. Sometimes just to sit and be still (and quiet) before the Lord and in His presence offers the most calming reward,

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

So true, Karen. Just being still, quiet, and waiting before the Lord in total surrender, we receive a reward from His presence of heaven's peace and calmness. God bless you!

Yvonne Morgan From Oklahoma At 10/19/2025 5:11:53 PM

One of the best part of retirement is finding more time to “be still.” It is such precious time spent with the Lord. Thanks for the reminder and message Melissa.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I love this, Yvonne. May we take full advantage of the unique blessings we receive in each stage of life. May God meet you in the stillness with waves of His love and grace.

Jessica Brodie From SC At 10/17/2025 2:20:00 PM

Amen to this. I have felt caught, restless, ready to bolt at times... but stilling my soul and surrendering to God always brings peace and a reminder that He is sovereign.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I have felt the same way at times, Jessica. What a perfect word picture you painted. May we surrender and release ourselves into God's perfect will again and again.

Warren McLaughlin From Pennsylvania At 10/15/2025 10:03:05 AM

I need to be still before him, weekly, daily, constantly.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

I need to be still before Him, too. Again and again. May we rest in Christ more fully, as we repeatedly surrender to His Lordship.

Melissa Henderson From Mount Pleasant SC At 10/14/2025 7:17:46 PM

Be still. Know that He is God. Yes, breathe in His love and breathe out His glory. Have a blessed week! :-)

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

It's such a beautiful blessing reading these words you have written, Melissa. I love the thought of breathing in His love and breathing out His glory. God bless you!

Hope From At 10/14/2025 10:20:42 AM

Dear Melissa, Yesterday, I was texting a friend about how God has brought me incredible peace in the emotional turmoil due to the terminal health of our loved one and the weighty responsibility of their care. She texted back that same scripture! Wonderful post! Thank you.

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Dear Hope, that is incredible. Wow! Thank you for sharing this encouraging affirmation of God working in your life through His Word and Spirit. I am truly sorry for the turmoil you are facing with your loved one's health and caretaking. I'm lifting you in prayer. May God renew your strength and grant you continued peace and grace. God be with you!

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