Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ©

Cease striving, and know that I am God:
(Psalm 46:10a (NASB))

You may know this from a different translation.

"Be still, and know that I am God;
(Psalm 46:10a (NIV))

I know that I have used these two translations before, but there is something about the subtle nuances that keep me coming back to this.

What do you think of when you hear the words "be still"?

If you are like me, it implies a forced stillness as in when your parents used to tell you to be still. Is it a true stillness when it comes from this background? Where is the surrender? Where is the humility? Where is the calmness that God desires from us?

Now carefully consider the implied meaning behind the words "cease striving".

Do you think of surrender? Do you think of a willingness? Is it forced or does it find its core meaning from a true desire for a peace that passes all understanding?

Let's also come at this from a difference perspective.

All other religions require the followers to perform or to do something in order to get the attention and approval of their gods.

Christianity is the only religion where that concept is turned upside down. We don't have to strive to please God. He loves us and because of this, He reached out to us to save us while we were still sinners.

We don't need to strive for perfection to get His attention. All that we have to do is humble ourselves and sit at His feet.

Are you still striving for God's approval?

Copyright 1998 - 2026 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
https://www.dailylivingministries.org
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