In the midst of our chaotic world, finding stillness has become increasingly rare, yet more essential than ever. In fact, it is one of the keys to knowing God. As believers, we’re called to prioritize these moments of quietude, for it’s in the stillness that we can truly know God. In Psalm 46:10, God urges us to “Be still and know that I am God.” This cherished verse reminds us of the importance of stillness – of quieting both our outward circumstances and our inner selves – in order to truly know our Lord.

The Scarcity of Stillness

In today’s world, the pursuit of stillness is challenged by constant noise and busyness. From the moment we wake up to the time we finally lay our heads down at night, our lives are inundated with noise, distractions, and constant activity. The incessant ping of notifications, the demands of work and family, and the pressure to keep up with the latest trends and updates all contribute to a culture that thrives on busyness and movement.

It is important that we don’t let the relentless pursuit of productivity drown out the gentle whisper of God’s voice. We must recognize the necessity of intentionally seeking out moments of solitude and silence. It is within these pockets of stillness that we can find clarity and hear God speak.

By acknowledging the power of being still and its role in knowing God, we must learn to embrace moments of quiet reflection. This shift in perspective elevates stillness from a rare commodity to a source of strength and resilience in an overactive world.

The Invitation to Be Still

Psalm 46:10 extends a divine invitation to embrace stillness. It’s not merely a suggestion but a command—an invitation to cease striving and surrender to the presence of God. When we quiet our hearts and minds, we create space for God to speak to us, to reveal His character, His will, and His love.

The invitation in Psalm 46:10 to “Be still, and know that I am God” is a divine call to embrace stillness. This is not meant to be a suggestion but a command. It is an invitation to cease striving and surrender to the presence of God.

When we quiet our hearts and minds, we create space for God to speak to us, to reveal His character, His will, and His love. Embracing stillness is not just about finding peace; it is a pathway to knowing God in a deeper and more profound way.

The phrase “be still” in Hebrew means “to release, to let yourself become weak.” This act of surrender, not effort, is at the crux of knowing God more fully. The invitation to be still offers a counterbalance to the busyness that often hinders our ability to pay attention to what matters most and deprives us of knowing God deeply. Therefore, by heeding this divine invitation to be still, we can create a space void of distraction where we are most receptive to God, allowing us to know Him more intimately.

Knowing God In The Silence

God speaks in whispers not shouts. When we intentionally carve out moments of stillness in our busy lives, we create sacred spaces where His voice can be heard above the noise. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in His presence, God delights in revealing Himself to those who seek Him with undivided hearts. 

The act of embracing silence and stillness is not merely an absence of noise, but a deliberate opening of our hearts and minds to the divine presence. In these moments of quiet communion, the distractions of the world fade away, and we become attuned to the rhythm of His voice. Knowing God in silence is an active engagement, not a passive endeavor.

God delights in revealing Himself to those who seek Him, drawing near to those who earnestly long to know Him more intimately. As we quiet our minds and still our souls, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His presence, allowing His love and grace to permeate every aspect of our lives.

Cultivating a Heart for Knowing God

The command to be still is an essential step in cultivating a heart that truly knows God. It’s an intentional act of devotion that transforms our relationship with the Creator from a distant acknowledgment to an intimate communion. As we consistently heed this divine invitation, our understanding deepens, and our connection with God matures into a vibrant, living relationship.

Cultivating a heart for knowing God requires a deliberate commitment to stillness, creating a space where we can attune our hearts to the gentle whispers of His presence. In the quietude, we discover the richness of His character and the depth of His love, fostering a profound intimacy that transcends mere knowledge.

This intentional pursuit of stillness not only allows us to know about God but enables us to know Him personally, experiencing His transformative power and unwavering faithfulness in our lives. Therefore, by embracing the command to be still, we embark on a journey of cultivating a heart that is fully devoted to knowing God in the most profound and intimate way.

Embracing Stillness as a Spiritual Discipline

Stillness has long been established as a vital spiritual discipline. Countless believers across centuries and generations have set aside regular times of quiet solitude to draw near to God. Whether following the example of Jesus, who often withdrew to isolated places to pray, or godly mentors like Brother Lawrence, who cultivated constant consciousness of God’s presence amid daily tasks, devout Christians recognize God’s clear invitation to “Be still and know that I am God.”

Stillness as a discipline seems increasingly countercultural today. Embracing routine stillness requires intention against society’s ceaseless noise, busyness, distractions, and demands that constantly vie for our attention. As Dallas Willard wrote, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.” The truth is we cannot know the depths of God’s heart without embracing unhurried stillness before Him.

Setting aside a particular time or day each week to silence your phone, screens, and tasks in order to sit quietly before God realigns our souls to what matters most. Over time and through consistency in showing up silently, stillness becomes less about another item on our checklists and more about treasured space to be fully present with God.

Practicing regular stillness profoundly impacts our faith. As Charles Spurgeon said, “In stillness a devout heart has a fine chance to come very near its God.” When we meet God in stillness, we are changed. We know Him more deeply as we abide in His presence and hear His heart.

A Prayer for Stillness and Knowing God

In closing, let us embrace the command to “Be still and know that I am God.” May we continually seek moments of stillness amidst the chaos of life, knowing that it is in those moments that we encounter the living God.

“Lord, in today’s world, stillness is so rare but so needed. Quiet my world even for these few moments and speak to me in the stillness, I pray. Amen.”