So far I have been exploring Mark 1:35-39 but towards the end of Psalm 46 we read these familiar words:“Be still, and know that I am God”

The words come after the psalmist has mentioned how God helps us in the midst of raging torrents; mountain-shattering earthquakes; international turmoil and wars.

“Be still, and know that I am God…”

The Hebrew word translated as ‘be still’ is not about becoming motionless. It’s about stopping frantic activity: stop struggling, stop wrestling, and be still. Do less, be more.

And when you are still you have the opportunity to know and experience that he is God. He is the one who is the ever present help in time of trouble. He is the refuge and strength. He is the fortress that protects us. He is the peace-bringer.

Psalm 46:10 in full reads: “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

In other words, when God’s people rest in him and know him, then he is revealed through them to the rest of the world.

I think that what this means is that evangelism and mission and ministry begin with us and our relationship with God. No amount of struggle and activity and striving will make a difference if our relationship with God is shallow. But when we are still and know him then the whole world will see the difference.

Do less, be more.