Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God;” is a commonly quoted verse. While this passage has brought me some comfort during difficult times, I didn’t truly understand its importance until recently.
It’s no accident that God first said “be still” then said “and know.” To be still means to calm our minds AND bodies. Stillness initiates our parasympathetic nervous systems, which are responsible for relaxation. Our sympathetic nervous systems, on the other hand, become activated when we are overwhelmed. When our sympathetic nervous systems are activated, our brains go into survival, or fight or flight mode. In other words, stress tells our brains we are in danger. When this happens, our brains turn off everything except what we need to stay alive, including thinking and reasoning. Put simply, when you are overwhelmed, you can’t think!
God’s design for us to survive is perfect. However, we were not designed to live in survival mode. We were created as thinking beings! That’s why God said FIRST, “be still”. He knows that unless we are in a relaxed state, we cannot move ourselves to the next part of verse 10. Until we create stillness within ourselves, we cannot truly appreciate what it means to know ourselves and to know God. Oftentimes, busy schedules, deadlines, and so many other things speak louder than the voice of God. When we initiate stillness, we give God permission to enter our hearts. It is then that we can truly “know that He is God” and “cast our cares on the LORD” - Psalm 55:22.
Easier said than done, I know!
Like Psalm 46:10 says, let's first concentrate on stillness. Praying and meditating are two excellent ways to initiate stillness. If you need more guidance while you begin this journey of stillness, give this guided meditation a try! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZb5fN_YEbQ
Second, it’s important to name your stressors and give them to God. Even though God already knows your burdens, it is important for you to name them so you can wholeheartedly give them to Him. While this might not immediately fix the thing you are stressed about, you can exchange your stress for God’s peace and comfort.
Lastly, give yourself grace! If you’re anything like me, I spent years in survival mode and found it difficult to be still for even 5 minutes. God knows your heart and is so excited that you are trying to spend time with Him! You are not alone, my dear reader. If you need more help initiating stillness and letting go of stress, we at Restore Counseling Services are here for you.
By Allison Griffin, Restorative Mentor