Bible Verses About Being Still
Scripture has much to say about being still. When circumstances seem chaotic, God can still our circumstances or still us in them. When the world tells us to forge ahead, God often calls us to wait on Him. And when the world gets loud and busy, God can often be heard when were still.
One of most quoted be still verses is Psalm 46:10: Be still and know that I am God. It was in studying this verse, that I wondered where else the Bible says to be still.
Verses About Being Still
+ Ecclesiastes 3:7 A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak
+ James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
+ Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
+ Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you you need only to be still.
+ Psalm 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
+ Psalm 62:5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
+ Job 6:24 Teach me, and I will be silent make me understand how I have gone astray.
+ Psalm 131:2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother like a weaned child is my soul within me.
+ Isaiah 32:17 And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
+ 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.
What Is The Historical Context
This Psalm addresses Israel in a time of turmoil. The reference to burning shields/chariots, bows and spears, the nations in uproar, and Gods holy city not falling suggests this chaos came from war . It reminds Israel that God dwells in His holy city Jerusalem . He is her ever-present help . He will not forsake her in time of destruction.
The Bible often used current happenings to point to future events. The Ryrie Study Bible notes, While the invasion of Sennacherib during the reign of Hezekiah may form the historical background for this Psalm, it seems to anticipate Psalm 47, which is a song of Gods kinship, and thus ultimately refers to the millennial reign of Christ.
While it may have been written in war times, the earth wasnt literally falling apart, even though it probably felt that way to those whose lives were turned upside down. The Bible says there will be cataclysmic changes on the earth surrounding the return of the Lord. This Psalm could point to that time. However, other commentators suggest that the catastrophic description of the earth falling apart is hyperbolic language to show its truths suit any devastating event humankind may face.
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God Should Be Our Focus
Lamentations 3:24-26
The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
The Lord will never take for granted those that hope and wait on Him. He will bring salvation to them from whatever is giving them fear. No evil can stand before Him and win. He will never let us face evil alone.
Habakkuk 2:20
But the Lord is in his holy temple let all the earth keep silence before him!
Have you ever experienced a brownout recently? Have you noticed how silent everything seemed to be? The world has gotten so noisy and loud these days. But in the presence of God, the world shall stand still and listen.
The Word of God is powerful. If there are voices that tell you that you are not enough, or that you do not matter, or that you failed, keep your focus upon God and His word and just watch those voices be silenced. We do not have to face them alone.
Zechariah 2:13
Be silent, all people, before the Lord for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.
There are times when the Lord seems to be silent. It might feel like He has abandoned us.
Zechariah 2:13 assures us that God has not abandoned us. The Lord is waiting for the perfect time to establish His plans. We must also be calm and wait on Him. We can rest assured that the work God does in our lives is worth the wait.
James 1:19
Psalm 62:5
Being Still Reminds You Where Your Hope Comes From
When you clutch your life with closed fists and try to control your circumstances, its as if you doubt God and doubt His ability to guide your path.
Yet when you be still and know, youre releasing your tight grip on your life and acknowledging Gods power and might.
Its there where you place Him back on the throne He so rightly deserves and rekindle your hope in Him alone.
And its there where you acknowledge that hope comes from God alone, and is not found in the outcome of your circumstances.
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Life Lessons From The Book Of Psalms
If you are looking for inspiration for your spiritual walk, read this digest of Powerful Life Lessons from Psalms, written by Jim.
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How Psalm 4: 10 Is Misunderstood Or Misused
Common Misunderstanding of Psalm 46:10 is that a lot of people think to be still means being silent, to relax or fold your hands and do nothing while in distress or a stormy situation because God is our refuge.
No! This is not what it means because any faith that leaves God absolutely responsible is irresponsible. Faith is work: For faith without work is dead. As simple as salvation is, there is what to do.
You must confess your sins for you to be saved. A lot of people misuse this verse by leaving all their responsibilities for God and when they dont see the result, they think God is partial.
This verse is a command. Its telling us to stop fighting the battle we cannot win on our own. He wants us to back off the stage, be quiet to hear what He will say to you in prayers when you pray or when you seek Him in fasting. God wants us to cease overstretching ourselves over the battles of life or over things that only Him have the power to overturn but to have confidence in Him.
This is a call to be in reverence to God. God is closer to us than the air we breathe, so Hes asking us not to be afraid but hold firm to the promises of His word. The bible admonishes us not to fear nor be anxious because all things are working together for good for those that love God
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Closing Thoughts On Psalm 4: 10
I love how Psalm 46 ends, The Lord Almighty is with us the God of Jacob is our fortress.
God is with you. He has something incredible for you. And even though the world might be falling apart around you, you can still experience peace in the presence of the Lord.
I love how Dr Tom Constable sums up this verse: The Lords presence indwelling His own people should inspire trust and confidence. No external calamity or hostile adversary can overthrow the place where the Lord of Armies resides. Today the Lord does not reside in a tabernacle building but in His people.
So, be still and know that he is God. God is with you.
The Context Of Psalms 46
Psalms 46 opens with instructions for how this Psalm was to be performed in worship. We see before the Psalm begins that it is written to the sons of Korah. As Charles Spurgeon writes in his Treasury of David, trifles may be left to commoner songsters, but the most skillful musician in Israel must be charged with the due performance of this song, with the most harmonious voices and choicest music. Therefore, these instructions suggest that this particular Psalm carried enormous meaning and held a place of extreme significance in the time it was written in that should only be performed by chosen musicians and skilled singers.
Psalms 46 then continues in the third person as the songwriter describes the attributes of the Lord. Its apparent from the language described in the early verses of Psalms 46 that the writer is probably living through a time of war, conflict, or at the very least, personal strife. It is also possible that Israel itself was facing war or international conflict when this was written and that the songwriter wrote to encourage the children of Israel to stand in the strength of the Lord.
Knowing this provides incredible insight into the interpretation of Psalms 46:10. In every situation described in this chapter, the writer emphasizes that the Lord is a refuge and strength and their stronghold. More importantly, The Lord of hosts is with us. This is actually repeated twice in this Bible chapter.
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Ways To Live Psalm 4: 10
So how do we stand still or stop striving? We must âsee the works of the Lord. When we âsee the works of the Lord,â we notice Godâs deliverance, and this assures us that we can be still and know that he is God and rest in his power and security.
Turn off the news.
This psalm shows us that people have been preoccupied with world events throughout time. Although the situation in the world as presented to us by the 24-hour news seems negative and out of control, this psalm reminds us that God is in charge of everything. In the midst of all this turmoil, God is with us and will deliver His people. Yes, conflicts continue to erupt and injustice demands voice and action. Yet, when we become anxious, it helps to remember what God has done: âsee the works of the Lord.â
As part of this strategy, you must unfollow the caustic friend on Facebook and turn off news for a day or a week. Do you remember what was on the TV news a year ago today? Probably not. Why? This news has passed. What happened that day did not shock the world. So when you feel anxious watching the news, step back and recognize that God is still in control. Rest in the power and safety of God, and know that He will make things right.
Look outside.
Look at the people around you.
Stop the fighting.
Look inside yourself.
Lauren McKeithen is a graduate of University College of the University of Maryland and has always had a passion for writing. She strives every day to follow the path God has laid out for her.
Be Still And Know Bible Verse Bookmarks
Stillnessthe world needs more stillness!
Theres so much upheaval and stress inducing situations in everyones lives.
But God promises us peace and that often comes in the stillness and quietness of our hearts and days.
Today, I wanted to remind you of this precious and VITAL verse!!!!
Be Still and Know -Psalm 46:10
Check out these be still and know Bible verse bookmarks for your quiet times with the Lord!
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Meaning Of Psalm 4: 10
God urges everyone to worship him and to recognize his right to rule over the earth. His power and authority are undeniable, a fact that everyone who wants to live forever will have to acknowledge.Revelation 4:11.
Give in and know that I am God. Some Bible translations render the first part of this statement as be still. This has led to the misunderstanding that it is a command to be reverent or silent in church. However, the Hebrew phrase translated give in and know that I am God is an exhortation from Jehovah a God himself to people of all nations, urging them to stop opposing him and to recognize that only he is worthy of worship.
A similar exhortation is found at Psalm 2. There, God promises to take action against those who oppose him. On the other hand, those who recognize Gods authority rely on him for guidance, strength, and wisdom. Taking refuge in Him, they feel happy and secure, especially during difficult times.Psalm 2:9-12.
I will be exalted among the nations I will be exalted in the earth. In the past, Jehovah God was exalted when he used his great strength to protect his people. In the future, he will be exalted on a far grander scale when everyone on earth submits to his authority and worships him.Psalm 86:9, 10 Isaiah 2:11.
D Psalm 4: 10 Kjv Bible
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
What the bible says in the KJV version is similar to the versions that start with Be still but it also mentions that the heathen will exalt God. This is a term that the Israelites used to refer to the pagans, Gentiles, or those who were not the people of God.
God is saying that those who don’t know Him will exalt Him once they see a demonstration of His power. Those who know Him and those who dont will all exalt Him and acknowledge that He is the true God. All eyes are to focus on Him and revere Him as God Almighty.
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The Meaning Of Psalm 4: 10 Kjv & Niv
Psalm 46:10 is one of those scriptures that gives believers assurance of the omnipotent nature of God. We serve a most reliable and dependable God who is closer to us than we can ever imagine. He is our refuge and our sovereign God. Be still connotes to be quiet or to remain calm. Remain calm while He takes His place and the earth trembles.
Lets take a deep dive into and explore this scripture.
Christian Quotes About Being Still
In the rush and noise of life, as you have intervals, step home within yourselves and be still. Wait upon God, and feel His good presence this will carry you evenly through your days business. William Penn
The quieter you become, the more you can hear. Ram Dass
If God is spending work upon a Christian, let him be still and know that it is God. And if he wants work, he will find it therein the being still. Henry Drummond
When Christ delays to help His saints now, you think this is a great mystery, you cannot explain it but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. Be still, and know that Christ is God. Robert Murray McCheyne
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The Biblical Background Of Psalm 46
Psalm 46 is a song for Zion, Gods holy city where his people dwell with himthe city is holy because God dwells in it. This psalm is all about security with God that God is our true home. Its mostly written in third-person, but at verse 10 theres a change and God speaks directly. Throughout the 11 verses, we also read several descriptions about Godhis characteristics and attributes: he is our refuge, he is strong, present, and a great help to those who are weak. God is higher than all else and able to rule above all. At his voice the earth melts.
We read this is the God of Jacob, he is with believers, and he is exalted among the nations and in the earth. He is a fortress and protects the weak that belong to him. The psalmist is probably living through some sort of turmoil or war as he mentions the phrases: trouble, the nations rage, the kingdoms totter, war, the spear, bow, and chariotsthough the psalm is also pointing forward to a future time when wars will cease. It is clear by the end of the psalm that waring against God is always in vain, and the people of God who are protected by their Mighty Fortress have nothing to fear.
A big takeaway from Psalm 46 is that the people of God are always secure no matter what environment they may be living in on earthturmoil, war, destruction, etc.God has secured the souls of believers through his Son Jesus Christ.
How Can We Be Still And Know In Turbulent Times
This time when weve been asked to stay at home is ideal for being still in Gods presence. Do you have a habit of meeting with Him each day to read His word and hear His perspective? This is a perfect time to choose a book of the Bible and begin to work your way through it. Read and meditate on what it says. How do its words apply to you in your current situation? Keep a journal of your insights and prayers.
If you prefer a Bible study guide or workbook, pick one and ask God to speak to you each day. We dont have to jump around searching for answers. He uses our daily time with Him to renew our thinking and guide us.
When God gives you a promise from His word, claim it. Whenever your heart begins to race, be still and declare Gods promise out loud.
The Lord now dwells in the hearts of believers. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. And He has promised, I will never fail you. I will never abandon you . When we have that settled in our hearts, we have a message to share with a fearful world.
My friend Nancy was in Manilla with a team of Christian students several years ago when a big earthquake collapsed tall buildings, killing many people. The earthquake rocked the people living there with great fear. They came out in throngs, open to hear the good news that Jesus saves! 50,000 people gave their lives to Christ that week.
This time of fear is a time of opportunity for the church. But first we must be still and know that Jesus is Lord!
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