My sweet Baby J can hear me turn on my laptop in her sleep. I swear, it’s true. But it simply doesn’t matter. Writing will happen when it happens. I am not going to make apologies for taking all the time I can for baby gazing, and rocking away endless hours while loving this little girl placed in my care.
But don’t dismay, there are some things in the works, so keep watching. I am hoping to pick up the pace soon, but in the meantime, I am thrilled to have my daughter, Genevieve, as my guest. She is a great writer and teacher in her own right, and I am proud to have her create something for this blog. I hope you enjoy Be Still and Know.
Be Still and Know
I recently redecorated my bedroom space and added a sign which reads Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” The verse has been a comfort during a time of transition.
Prayer can often be a very wordy and demanding time, especially during stressful, transitional periods when you don’t know what God is doing. We want to give God all our own best ideas about how to work out our problems.
A friend introduced me to the idea of stillness in prayer. Instead of being loud and demanding, we sit in the presence of God and BE with Him. Leave all the expectations and enjoy His company.
“Be still is the Hebrew word raphah. It is an action word meaning “leave off your own attempts.” It is the action of letting go. We can stop struggling with our problems and give ourselves the freedom to let go.
The second part of the verse says, “Know that I am God.” To know is the Hebrew word yada meaning “to know properly, to ascertain by seeing.” God wants us to know him by experience. He’s saying, “Watch me and see what I can do.” God is going to show His power through our experience with Him. He is challenging us to let go and watch Him demonstrate His power through our relationship with Him. How cool is that?
How do we incorporate stillness into our prayer life?
First, start out prayer with the purpose of stillness without expectation. Come to prayer with an attitude of just being and enjoying His presence. Focus on quality time without demands.
Next, approach stillness with an attitude of gratitude. Start by telling God, “Thank you,” not for anything specific, but for who He is.
Focus on an attribute or name for God. Choose one of His names, whether, Abba, “Daddy” or Elohim, “Supreme Being.” Appreciate who he is and allow yourself to experience that in the stillness.
Can it be challenging to be still in prayer?
Yes! My mind immediately starts racing with all my worries and ideas. Stillness takes practice. I have to continually remind myself to let go, be still, quiet my mind, and be thankful for His presence. I want to let God romance my heart. He desires to just be with me. I want to let Him love me intimately.
Just be still and know Him.
You can trace Genevieve Schell’s love for God’s word that can back to her AWANA days when she started to tuck good amounts of it away in her heart. She has spent much of her adult life in teaching ministry with both children and adults, and now is a cooperate trainer for a large retailer, where she encourages others in the workplace.
OMGoodness! What a blessing young lady. Now your mama is a very special and talented writer indeed, but you post today is proof positive that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” What a wonderful blessing you’ve received in learning to be still and know that He is God. Well said writer! God’s blessings.
How beautiful! Being still during prayer and opening you heart to hear God’s word is challenging and it takes practice.
It does take practice for sure, but when it happens, it’s a beautiful thing.
Thank you so much for the wonderful encouragement. Books are in the works as we speak.
Interestingly enough, I saw a post on my feed today on this very verse. Under be still it said, “put your phone away, quiet your thoughts, lay down your worries.” Beneath “know” it said, “trust, remember, etc.” and beneath “I am God” it listed many of His attributes. Refocusing on Him and simply “being” in His presence is one of the most valuable exercises in which we can engage ourselves. As I get older, I come to realize how many of my ideas weren’t so great. It’s easier for me to lay out the problem before him, tell him what I desire, but then ask for Him—the all-knowing and ever-loving Father—to guide me in right paths. 🙂
Genny and Patty,
I was thrilled to see this post! And what a blessing. Being still is not easy for me. So, this one was especially meaningful. Here is my favorite takeaway:
” “leave off your own attempts.” It is the action of letting go. We can stop struggling with our problems and give ourselves the freedom to let go.”
This gives me a visual of gathering up my “stuff” and leaving it at the foot of Jesus so I can stop struggling and just “be” in His presence.
I always enjoy posts from Patty, however, I can’t wait to read more from you, Genny.
Blessings to you both!
Patty, what a great post by your daughter! I loved her ideas, as well as the connection to the Hebrew words, that will help me “be still and know.” This sentence especially stepped on my toes: “We want to give God all our own best ideas about how to work out our problems.” I always “think” I have to make suggestions to God for solutions, as if He might not have thought of my brilliant ideas ….. the very nerve of me!! Thanks for sharing her post! (And keep on enjoying that little one!)
This is my favorite way to simply be with the Father – through stillness and surrender. Thank you for so eloquently expressing the value of this practice!
Blessings!
YES, yes! I needed this word today. And we are on the same wavelength and I love it when God does that. Your word” Let go and watch what God can and will do…Yessum. I needed this.