September 12th, 2026
by Dr. Ron Harvey
by Dr. Ron Harvey
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
This is, undoubtedly, one of my favorite verses in scripture. I think about it almost daily and meditate on it regularly. I suppose we all get the value of this admonition spiritually. However, perhaps we often forget the biblical context in which it is given. In the verses that precede it (v. 8-9), the psalmist pictures a battlefield after the hostilities have ceased and the weapons of warfare are left strewn about the field of battle like litter. Silence is the only sound. The scene depicts the idea that God has brought this war to an end. Now he says literally in the Hebrew, “Cease striving, be still and know that I am God” (v.10). The verb translated “Cease striving” carries the idea, “you do it – you stop striving – you quit worrying and relax.”
Therefore, the proper response to our inevitable daily conflicts and concerns is, “Do not worry…relax” (v. 10). Let go of the worries. Learn this: If God can bring an end to war, then He can help you with your conflicts and concerns. So the psalmist is urging us not to strive, worry, or panic. Let go of your worries. As Peter said, “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Does this mean that when faced with problems that we should do nothing? No! It means, first, be still and trust Him, and then face the situation without panic and worry. God will show you how to act clearly & confidently. But first you must trust Him completely. Worry will add nothing to your situation. Learn to trust first and then obey next. If we are going to practice all of this—where do we begin? – “Be Still” (v. 10).
Finally, at the end of this section, you see the word – “Selah” (v. 11) which is a “rest” in Hebrew Poetry and it means, “pause and think about it.” The pause follows the description of three troublesome situations and the prescribed proper reactions to those situations. Finally, in the end, he says once again “Selah” – pause and think about it. Maybe we just need to do this…Think about it!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
This is, undoubtedly, one of my favorite verses in scripture. I think about it almost daily and meditate on it regularly. I suppose we all get the value of this admonition spiritually. However, perhaps we often forget the biblical context in which it is given. In the verses that precede it (v. 8-9), the psalmist pictures a battlefield after the hostilities have ceased and the weapons of warfare are left strewn about the field of battle like litter. Silence is the only sound. The scene depicts the idea that God has brought this war to an end. Now he says literally in the Hebrew, “Cease striving, be still and know that I am God” (v.10). The verb translated “Cease striving” carries the idea, “you do it – you stop striving – you quit worrying and relax.”
Therefore, the proper response to our inevitable daily conflicts and concerns is, “Do not worry…relax” (v. 10). Let go of the worries. Learn this: If God can bring an end to war, then He can help you with your conflicts and concerns. So the psalmist is urging us not to strive, worry, or panic. Let go of your worries. As Peter said, “Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Does this mean that when faced with problems that we should do nothing? No! It means, first, be still and trust Him, and then face the situation without panic and worry. God will show you how to act clearly & confidently. But first you must trust Him completely. Worry will add nothing to your situation. Learn to trust first and then obey next. If we are going to practice all of this—where do we begin? – “Be Still” (v. 10).
Finally, at the end of this section, you see the word – “Selah” (v. 11) which is a “rest” in Hebrew Poetry and it means, “pause and think about it.” The pause follows the description of three troublesome situations and the prescribed proper reactions to those situations. Finally, in the end, he says once again “Selah” – pause and think about it. Maybe we just need to do this…Think about it!
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron
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