Be still, and know that...

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

Be still... The 'be' implies an active effort on my part. God says, 'Be still'. He doesn't say 'I will make you still', as a dictator might, or 'You will become still' like a hypnotist. He bids me 'Be still' - to still myself, in obedience and love. To show that I am serious about our relationship by engaging in a specific act of will.

Be still... This is not just sitting quietly. To be sure, I am to still my body - to stop being active and busy for a time. To take a break from doing things.

In addition, I must still my mind. Turn my attention from the things I think I should be doing. Cease worrying over the things I would like to change - the people whose needs and personalities jangle in my thoughts. I quieten my mind in the presence of God.

I am to still my restless heart. Relinquish the anger, resentment and jealousies that prevent it from resting in my Lord. I abandon to Him my family and friends and tear out all the little gods that have taken up residence in his place: possessions, status, education and human love.

Finally, still my spirit - I'm to still its restlessness and anxieties. Turn equally from despondency and over excitement and wait patiently on the Lord.

...and know... I can know something to be true, simply because I have read or heard it from a reliable source. Equally, I can know because of personal experience. The knowing that this verse talks of seems to be something much more. An unshakeable acceptance within my whole being. A penetrating knowledge that needs no further proof, is utterly trustworthy and forms the foundation for everything that I am and do.

...that I AM... this was one of God's old testament names for Himself. He told Moses 'I am who I am - tell the Israelites that I am has sent you'. Here I am truly in the presence of God. There is a sense of never ending presence in the word 'am'. It reminds me that God - was, and is, and is to be. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. What security and stability is offered here.

...God I am challenged to think about my conception of God. I confess that I limit him by the confines of my mind and imagination. I can conceive Him as my Lord and Saviour, my helper and Friend - The King of Kings and Lord of Lords - the one before whom every knee shall bow. Yet rarely can I hold even this much together all at once and even if I could, it would be less than a pale reflection of his real self.

Despite this, one thing is certain, as God, He must have the first place in my life (body, mind, heart and spirit). I can have no other gods before Him.