SAYING YES TO BEING STILL
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
I had a career coach who would encourage me to ask, if you say yes to that, what are you saying no to? It’s not a verse or biblical concept, but I think this verse in Psalm 46 is somewhat similar. If I’m saying yes to being still, I’m saying no to something else. I might be saying no to getting to know the world better and yes to getting to know God better. For me, that might mean spending less time watching television and more time listening to praise and worship music or studying God’s Word. For you, it might be limiting social media or _______ (fill in the blank). Giving one thing up means we get something else. It’s an exchange. But with God, we trade mediocre for His best.
In the end, it’s about choosing what matters most. Sometimes, people we like invite us to do fun things, but we feel a nudge to stay back, rest and just be still. And that’s okay—if it gives us the rest we need or draws us closer to God rather than pulling us into exhaustion or isolation.
Psalm 46 is a powerful reminder of God’s strength—that He is our refuge, fortress, strength and help in troubled times. In verses 6–9, We’re invited to behold the works of the Lord throughout the earth, and it describes His demolishing weapons of war and how the earth melts by the sounds of His voice. Then we come to our verse 10…be still. Though everything is in chaos around us—the earth itself and the people on it—we can be still in complete trust that our strong fortress, our God, is mightily in control and will be exalted on the earth!
APPLICATION: Take a moment to look over your schedule for today or the weekend. Pray and ask God to guide you on what to keep, postpone or let go of. See if He’s leading you to replace something with rest, a walk outside, or time encouraging a friend who could use your support.
PRAYER: Father, You are so mighty. Help me learn how You want me to be still. Help me leave all the rest to You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?