Psalm 48:10

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

If you are like me, you  probably have heard this verse quoted many times.  It is usually quoted in reference to sitting quietly and listening for the still and small voice of God. This is a misuse of this verse.  I must confess that I have heard this verse used in that way so many times, that I just accepted this application as truth.  However, as I was looking into this verse more, I found that it has a much deeper meaning than appears at first glance.

While the idea of sitting very still and quiet before God is a good truth, there is much more to this verse than that. The word “still” in this verse come from the Hebrew word “raphah” which means to fall completely, release, let go and be weak. I think of this as absolute, total surrender of every bit of fight or resistance.

After “Be Still” comes the second part, “and KNOW”.  The Hebrew word for “KNOW” is “Yada” which means “intimate knowledge.”  In today’s expression we would say “I know with all my heart.”  It’s personal knowledge, not just a head knowledge.

In the verses 8 and 9, the Lord says he “makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.”  This is in reference to those who are enemies of God and are hostile towards him. 

When we pull all of these verses together in their context and meaning, we find a very beautiful and reassuring picture.  It shows that even in a world striving to show its strength, power and self-reliance, we have the opportunity to be true worshippers by letting go of our individual striving and grasping. We can completely fall into the merciful hands of a loving God. It is there in his hands where we “KNOW” just who he is.  His strength, his power, his refuge. It is there that we see him exalted in our lives.

Go live the Worship Life!

Steven Lee Vaughn