“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

Psalm 46:10

BeStill

We could all do with some peace in the chaos of our world, couldn’t we? Psalm 46:10 commands: “Be still and know that I am God.” To most people, to be still brings to mind images of sitting quietly, unmoving, waiting. But this word “still” in Hebrew has nothing to do with sitting down and doing nothing. The word for ‘still’ or ‘be still’, is ‘raphah.’ It’s a verb meaning: to relax (your hold on something) to release, to let go of. 

Raphah, is purposefully letting go of all striving, releasing whatever you are wrestling with, surrendering control of that situation you are so stressed about, and expecting the Prince of Peace to meet you right in the midst of your chaos. To be still is to rest in the knowledge that He sees you and is always with you.

Peace is a Person

True and lasting peace is not a feeling. It can’t be found in a location – you could go and sit for hours beside the quietest lake in the furthest mountain range and still be in turmoil within your own heart. That’s because Peace is a person – the Prince of Peace, Jesus. 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”

Isaiah 9:6

I love the vivid description in Luke’s gospel, of the Angel appearing to the shepherds, and announcing the birth of Jesus, the Messiah. We come to verse 13 and this single angel is joined by a whole angelic army, proclaiming what the world needed so desperately, both then and now: “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.””  (Luke 2:13-14 NLT)

‭‭Peace was the very first declaration concerning Jesus, proclaimed in worship song by this vast angelic army. God could have sent His heavenly host to kings, leaders, or other ‘important’ people to make known the good news of the arrival of the Prince of Peace. But He chose ordinary people. Peace is for you, and for me. 

If you find yourself striving today; feeling unsettled or stressed out, remember to Be still – Let go – Release. 

Peace, in the person of Immanuel is right there in the midst of it all, with you. 

Jill 💜