Be Still and Know...

Psalm 46:10, Be still and know that I am God, is a very common verse in the Bible, known by most who have had any connection to religion. In our culture we are not still for very long, in fact, we often refer to those who are not not constantly in action or not constantly working toward a goal or outcome as slack or lazy, applying a derogatory connotation. We do not encourage quietness, stillness, or emptiness, nor do we understand that these things may be our way to know God more fully...just "being still" in order to connect with God in a way that is full of knowingness - beyond any need for proof or logic. This knowingness is where our faith truly begins, because it is without need for proof or evidence.

The Biblical phrase, "be still" is from the Hebrew root rahpah, with meanings such as, be slack, stay, be still, be slothful, fail, forsake, leave, let alone. By applying these possible variations on the translation, the meaning expands greatly. It is as if the Bible, in its earlier translation that was closer to the real language of its origin, is telling us to let up, to forsake our patterns and methods for seeking God or thinking about God, and just "know" that God is there. In a deeper sense, I like to also consider that these words may have had the meaning of telling us to "let go" of our limiting thoughts by stilling our minds away from the process of thinking, at which place we can know and feel that "I AM God"..."I" meaning ourselves...understanding that we have God in us at all times and can therefore never be separated from Him. The perceived separation from God, as in "I am not good enough, I am not worthy enough" is what has created our problems. Simply remembering our Oneness is all that we need to return to the Divine.

If we can overcome the wordly ways of needing to constantly be doing something or accomplishing something to validate ourselves - and learn to just "be still" - be slack, do nothing - for significant periods of time, we can attain a significant connection to God and to our holiness. It is that simple. Find quiet time where you allow yourself to do nothing - to take a nap even when the laundry needs to be done, the kitchen cleaned, the beds made, or the lawn mowed. But instead of ignoring these things to go shopping, watch TV, or do something else, just do nothing. Let the worldly "to do list" disappear and just "be slack... slothful...fail." In that quiet and pure space of non-guilt, feel God and feel the power of knowing that you are one with God. It is likely that you will feel a physical shift in energy and a sense of peace within you. If you do not feel this right away, do not give, up...simply continue and try to let go even more. In time, if you are sincere in your efforts, you will begin to "know" even if in only tiny bits. A simple flash of knowing God in this very personal a direct way can be all you need to lead you on your way to a more fulfilling connection. Any of us, in spite of all of our excuses, can surely find small bits of time to be still and ask for God to truly come into our presence. The benefits are simply too great to ignore.

Be still...and know.