Keep still! Sit still! Be still! How often we speak these words to children – and adults too – to try and calm them and in times of hot weather, to cool them. And it works.

Stillness is so hard to find in this modern world but we lose so much if we lose being still. God taught many the value of being quiet, being still: Psalm 46 verse 10 ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’

God did not say, ‘Be still and find your inner self’; that is always depressing and self defeating, leading to restlessness. God did say ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’ God can be known, God can be found – but in the quiet place of stillness. Read Psalm 46 and you will discover many things about God:

• ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’ Realise His protection verse 1 ‘God is our refuge
  and strength, a very present help in trouble.’
• ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’ Realise His power verse 10 ‘I will be exalted
  among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’
• ‘Be still, and know that I am God!’ Realise His presence verse 11 ‘The Lord of
  hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.’

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the holy One, is here;
Come bow before Him now with reverence and fear.
In Him no sin is found, we stand on holy ground.
Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the holy One, is here.

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place:
He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace –
No work too hard for Him. In faith receive from Him.
Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

(David Evans)