Be Still And Know

By Stewart Whittemore

Remember that old adage: “Stop, Look and Listen?” It was good advice before we ventured out, especially before crossing railroad tracks or a busy intersection.
God has a similar command: “Be still, and know that I am God…”
What does "be(ing) still and know(ing) God" really mean?

This was brought home to me recently when I was talking to an old high school friend. I had an insight come across my mind that I wanted to share, but she didn’t stop talking long enough for me to get a word in.

I heard God say: "Do you see what I mean?" I now pay more attention to what God says through His Word.

In Luke 10:38-42 Martha complained to Jesus that while she was doing all the work Mary was sitting at His feet. "Jesus answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her"' Luke 10:41-42 (NKJV)

We have to "be still" if we want to know God. Mary was not praying or talking, but intently listening. In spite of all the busyness going on around Mary, she was not distracted. Mary was focused and still. Mary "heard His word." She was hearing straight from the Master, not through others.

We can hear from God directly from reading His Word. Sermons are great and commentaries are very insightful, but they can never be a substitute for our own time with God to hear from Him firsthand.

When we make a conscious decision to be with God, He will make sure that time is not taken away from us. Martha was trying to get her sister away from Jesus to serve with her (as noble as that may seem), but Jesus would not let that happen. Our relationship with Jesus is much more important than any tasks. Therefore, we can be sure He will not let our time with Him be taken away either, if we chose to be with Him.

Choosing God to be first and foremost in our lives is choosing to: "be still and know that (He) is God..."

Let’s "be still" today, even if it is in our most difficult of times (see Psalm 46), because we know that Jesus has all the answers! We can be assured that our needs will be met.

Stewart Whittemore writes from Grants Pass, Oregon