That scripture verse is one of my favorites. In fact, many years ago, one of my artistic friends, made me a clay vigil light holder with the two words “Be still” carved out on one side and the word “peace” on the other. When I put a small candle inside and light it, the light shines through the carved-out words. It’s lovely! I think this particular scripture verse is very appropriate as we end the old year, 2024, and begin the brand new year, 2025. What beautiful words to keep in mind throughout this New Year: “Be Still and know that I am God.”
Today I’d like to reflect briefly on Pslam 46 and verse 10 in particular. First some context. Scripture scholars believe this psalm was written when Judah was being invaded by the powerful Assyrians. That’s important. The psalm begins with: “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.” So this psalm was written not when everything was “hunky dory” for the People of God. It was written while they were undergoing severe “distress.” This is significant for us. When things are going well for us, we can begin to believe we don’t need God. We might even be tempted to say to God, “Don’t worry about me, Lord. I have everything under control.” But when we’re experiencing raging storms, darkness, uncertainty, and fears of all kinds, then this psalm might be exactly what we need to pray.
Pastor John Miller of Menifee, California, wrote a beautiful reflection on Psalm 46. He says that someone has called Psalm 45 “a recipe for confidence.” Miller calls this psalm, “a prescription to take when life falls apart.” We reach out to God for help. And Miller reminds us, “When we call out to God, we never get God’s voicemail. That’s because God is with us.” Always.
Probably verse 10 is a favorite for many of us. The phrase “Be still” means much more than simply, “Don’t move” or “be quiet” or “settle down.” Some scripture scholars say it can mean “take your hands off.” In other words, “Let go of trying to be in charge of your life.” Carrie Underwood’s popular song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” immediatly comes to my mind. It is one of the suggested videos at the end of this reflection. “Be still” can also mean “quit messing things up.” That’s another way of saying we shouldn’t assume it’s our job to fix everything that’s wrong. For example, we do not have to fix this person, this problem, this situation. Instead, we must trust in God more. After all, Psalm 46 says twice, “The Lord of hosts is with us, our stronghold is the God of Jacob.”
Another interpretation for the phrase “be still” is this: “have leisure.” This interpretation flows from the Jewish Sabbath tradition. On the Sabbath the people were commanded to refrain from their work. Instead, they were to gather together to worship God. Often this worship took the form of thanking God for all their blessings. Also, the people were to use the Sabbath to relax and have leisure with each other in order to strengthen family and community bonds. God seems to know that there is always the danger for us humans to overwork. In fact, at times we can even turn our work into an idol.
Miller includes in his reflection this old poem that reflects the more modern saying, “Let go and let God.”
With thoughtless and impatient hands,
We tangle up the plans the Lord hath wrought.
And when we cry in pain, God saith,
“Be quiet, child, while I untie the knot!”
For reflection:
What words or phrases stood out for you in this meditation?
When you are in darkness or experiencing raging storms in your life, do you turn to God? If so, what words do you use?
Do you have any favorite prayers for difficult times?
Suggestion: Read slowly and prayerfully today the entire Ps. 46. (It’s only 12 verses!)
Prayers and best wishes to each of you for a Blessed and Happy New Year!
PS: Next week’s blog will focus on the Jubilee Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope.
Here are two videos for your inspiration. The first is “Be Still” by Seeds Kids Worship. What drew me to this particular version of the song was the use of babies and small children. Just as good parents are attentive toward their children 24/7, so is God attentive to each one of us. The second song is Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” about our allowing Jesus to be in the driver’s seat of our life.
“Be Still”
“Jesus, Take the Wheel”:
I welcome your comments below!
18 Responses
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all..
What a year it’s been! I know we say this practically weekly, but your blog always seems to say the thing we need to hear as we begin to live another seven day stretch of time. I too love this psalm, and I appreciate your adding some biblical scholarship that makes Psalm 46 all the more meaningful. Lately I’ve been using verse 10 as a meditation technique, one I learned from Benedictine nun Macrina Wiedeker. It goes like this: Inhale, “Be still”; exhale, “and know that I am God”; inhale, “Be still”; exhale, “and know that I am”; inhale, “Be still”; exhale, “and know”; inhale, “Be”; exhale, “still.” Try to hold each inhalation and exhalation for four seconds. I find this practice to be helpful to calm me down, to center me, to remind me that, as Lady Julian would say, “All shall be well.”
Good morning. Thank you for starting my work week off on the right foot today. This verse is very calming.
Happy New Year.
Profound. God bless you.
Father John
I really needed to read this today. Boy have I tied some knots. I need to sit back and ask God to help untie them. Thank you Sr. Melanie!🌻
Good morning everyone,
So many thoughts surface in this reflection. Moving into a contemplative stance, we have most often used these words to calm us down and help us to let go of all the turmoil in our minds. The point is, of course , to end/begin on BE. However, a few years ago, as I reflected on Mother Theresa’s words in her diary about knowing God so well that she would follow Him to hell if that is where he was leading her, changed my focus to KNOW,,,,,be still and KNOW that I am God. That is where I am with this….trying to truly KNOW that God IS God and how does it affect my choices.
The second thing I want to share is this…..my husband who is now deceased, loved to have conversations about God. Once he asked me how I saw God, so I went into an elaborate explanation of all my learning about God, thinking I had covered things pretty well. When I asked him how he sees God, this is what he said, “I am like a 4 month old baby lying in a cradle looking up at God in awe.” As I watched the video, I could picture him and it warmed my heart.
Oh, that I may look at you in awe and delight, oh God!
May you all see the blessings that are bestowed on you in this new year 2025,
Mary N.
Thank you, Mary! That was beautiful! May you have a blessed 2025.
Thank you sister Melanie.
Another great Sunflower Seeds. I direct everyone who is impacted by this psalm verse to The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) and Turning to the Mystics podcast. Be still and know that I am God…Be still and know…Be still…Be
Good morning and thank you Sr. Melannie for another inspiring reflection. I too love Ps. 46 and use the line “be still and know that I am God “almost daily. You always share the most beautiful and thoughtful videos. Wishing you peace and abundant blessings in 2025.
SIster Melanie, I almost fell off my chair when I saw the title of this post. At the October retreat I promised to send you something to use as a doorprize. With other things going on I just put it into the mail yesterday afternoon – before I read this post. When you get it in a few days you’ll see what I mean! Thank you for your inspiring writing.
Good morning Sr Melannie!
Your blog is always such an inspiration. Thank you so much, I look so forward to receiving it every Monday. The song by Carrie Underwood is a favorite of mine. Also Psalm 46.
Hope you are having a Merry Christmas and wishing you a very Happy New Year!
Thank you Sister! Needed to hear this as I am always trying to untie knots which often become more knotty as a result of my manipulations. I must learn to take my hands off the wheel. Its not easy but I’m working on it and your blogs help me so much.
David Kauffman has shared his music ministry at Lenten and Advent retreats that I have attended in the San Antonio area. His “Be Still” came up on my play list after reading your Blog today:
https://youtu.be/4JX7fDkGSXY
Giddy up & God Bless,
Barry
Thank you, love the theme of today’s reflection. Many blessings in the New Yest
Thank you Sister Melannie for your beautiful reflections and thoughtful questions to contemplate. My go to prayer in the stressful storms of life is: O God, I need you now more than ever. Please be with me always! God bless you & Happy New Year!
Sr Melannie, I took your suggestion to read slowly and prayerfully Psalm 46 in its entirety. I did that and verse 9 is what made an impression on me. It says, “ He makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; He burns the shield with fire: Be still and know that I am God!” To me He is clearly stating that he has rid us of the weapons to hurt others (and ourselves) so that we can KNOW His presence and love. As Brandon said above:” Be still and know that I am God… Be still and know … Be still… Be” I think I need to spend some more time just be-ing in His presence and love so that I really KNOW.
Thank you Sr Melannie and all who commented on today’s topic. May God continue to bless us in the New Year!
A Blessed & Happy New Year to All!!!!
I love Miller’s poem…a Great read for when life gets messy. I also turn to Psalm 139 & the hymn “You Are Near…”
Thank you Sr Melannie for this wonderful & inspirational blog!!!!
During times of worry and every day troubles you can’t go wrong with the Serenity Prayer