And Know

Pascal, the French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher of days gone by, said,  "Nearly all the ills of life spring from this simple source: that we are not able to sit still in a room."

God said, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

When we read that verse, we tend to focus on the first phrase.  Be still.  And of course, that's an important part of the verse.

Be still.  Or, as the NASB renders the verse, cease striving.  The Amplified Bible puts it this way:  Let be and be still.

But let's not forget the rest of the verse.  Just being still, as important as that is, is not enough. 

Be still, and know that I am God.

Don't forget the "and know" part of the verse.

Again, let's look to the Amplified Bible for clarification.  Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God.

Be still.  That's important.  Cease striving.  Stop worrying.  Be aware.

And know.  Not just give mental assent to.  Recognize and understand in the very core of your being.  Know.  Know that you know that you know. 

Recognize and understand who God is. 

Certainly He is a loving God.  He is also a just God.  A righteous God.  A providing God.  He is a Sovereign God. 

Be still and know that I am God. 

Whatever the circumstances of your life.  Whatever decisions you are facing.  Whatever emotional upheaval may encompass you today.  Whatever.  In every circumstance of life.  In the big things and in the little things.  Know this.  He is God.

There is nothing facing you or me today that He can't handle.  Because He is God.

Think about that today.  Ponder that.  Live in light of that.  Be still.  And know.

"Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations.  I will be exalted among the earth!"  (Psalm 46:10 ESV)