Different ways of “being still”

 Psalm 46:10 (in most translations) reads: “Be still and know that I am God.”   (NIV, KJV, RSV ASV, DBY and WEB)  Most of us are familiar with this verse and try to apply it to our lives.

The verse concludes:

“I [Elohiym] will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Because our desire  is to see the Sovereign God be lifted up and magnified — I would like to expand the meaning of the verse.  Take some time to break loose your understanding on “being still and knowing God.”  Then apply its different meanings to your life.  

In so doing, Jesus will be raised up on high in the world around you.

The Hebrew word for “be still” is rapha, and the word for “to know” is yada, both having additional meanings. Bible translators have offered up some alternatives.

“Be at peace in the knowledge that I am God.” (BBE)

“Cease [striving] and know that I am God.” (NASB)

“Stop your fighting — and know that I am God.” (HCSB)

“Desist, and know that I [am] God.” (YLT)

Here are my adaptations:

Go be lazy in the Lord today and just marinate in His presence.

Drop into God. Then you will really know Him within that experience.

Sink down into God and actively reveal all of yourself to Him.

Abandon yourself to the God of gods, listen up, and discover what God has to say about you.

Like a day drawing to a close, simply cease striving, and be intimate with your Maker.