Be Still and Know

“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 ESV

This verse has echoed in my mind lately as I have been learning more about stillness; not just physically, but spiritually and mentally.

Thanks to my friend Marty, I recently began reading a book by Ryan Holiday called Stillness Is the Key. While Holiday writes from a secular perspective, some of his observations sparked reflection on what the Bible says about being still before God.

We had our first book discussion about ten days ago, and I left with a question that still lingers: What is stillness, really?

Certainly, “sitting still” is part of it, but biblical stillness is so much more.

It is trusting God when we are anxious (Isaiah 26:3), waiting on Him in uncertainty (Lamentations 3:26), and letting go of control so He can work in and through us (Exodus 14:14).

The author defines stillness as clarity, inner peace, and self-mastery, not as a passive state, but as a discipline we intentionally cultivate. While he does not frame this spiritually, I could not help but see the parallels to Christian growth. We also practice stillness, not just to center ourselves, but to listen for God's voice and rest in His presence.

The author quoted Blaise Pascal, a Christian philosopher, who said in 1654: "All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room alone."

That hit me hard. Especially today, in a world overflowing with distraction. And even way back then, people wrestled with silence? Apparently so.

I don’t know about you, but being still is hard for me. I tend to stay busy and fill quiet moments with noise, whether it’s scrolling, listening to a podcast, or binge-watching something. Silence feels uncomfortable. But I wonder… maybe what is uncomfortable is not the silence itself, but what it reveals.

I think we fear stillness because it exposes our worries, wounds, and questions. But in God’s presence, those things are not meant to shame us, they are meant to be healed.

Holiday discusses “perturbations,” or inner disturbances, that steal our peace. In biblical language, I might call those “burdens” (Matthew 11:28-30) or “anxieties” (1 Peter 5:7).

He encourages readers to clear away the clutter that keeps them from clarity. As a Christian, I would say: lay it all down at the feet of Jesus.

Stillness, then, is not about emptying ourselves in a mystical sense, it is all about surrendering ourselves to God, and allowing His Spirit to bring clarity, peace, and wisdom!

Holiday gives the example of President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Under incredible pressure, Kennedy paused. He did not rush to action. He reflected. That restraint likely changed history.

It reminded me of when I used to count to ten before reacting, or how I’d “sleep on it” before making decisions. Even Scripture tells us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

I was also struck by the detail that Kennedy doodled during intense meetings. I do that too. It helps me stay present. And you know what? God can meet us in the small things, even in doodles. Stillness doesn’t always look like perfect quiet or folded hands. Sometimes it is about creating space in the midst of chaos to breathe and listen for His voice.

So, what is my takeaway?

Stillness is not just about silence. It is about creating room in our minds, hearts, and lives for God to lead. It is a practice. A spiritual discipline. And yes, it takes effort, but it’s worth it.

I am learning, slowly, that stillness helps with: clearer thinking, better decision-making, stronger relationships, resisting temptation, and most importantly, drawing closer to God!

I’ll be honest, it’s a challenge.

I’m still learning how to sit still, how to turn down the noise, how to quiet the inner storm. But with God’s help, I’m working on it.

And maybe you are too.

Let’s not run from stillness anymore. Let’s lean into it; not as the world teaches, but as God invites: “Be still, and know that I am God…”

by Jeanette Stark May 5, 2025