Date : June 06, 2025

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" 

This Bible verse from Psalm 46:10 was written in the context of a nation seeking protection in God. But it is more than apt for individuals too. At a time when a nation was threatened by opposing forces, one may wonder why God was asking His people to "be still". He was, in fact, firmly telling His people to "stop reacting" to the plans of their enemies, and "just relax" in Him. God's way of approach is always very unique. We can never understand His complete plan. However, what's good for us is to simply do what He says. "Being still" means to obey or surrender to His plan - whatever it is. The reason is, when we "do nothing" and let God in, the battle is won. 

The Bible is a treasure trove that evokes a lot of emotion when carefully explored. It's because each page talks about God, or has a word directly from God etched on it. The Holy Book doesn't fail to surprise the avid reader particularly when some passages contradict general worldview. 

One such passage is in Jeremiah 9:23-24 where we find God sharing the truth about life. God says: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom; let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches. But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For, in these I delight.” 

Isn't it obvious and acceptable for the wealthy to be glad about their possessions, for the wise to cherish their intellectual gain, and for the strong person to show off physical power, or authority? But God - for a good reason - differs here. He wants us to never miss seeing how small we are without Him. And no matter what we achieve or accomplish, He brings our focus into acknowledging how sovereign He is in every way. If you want to enjoy the magnificence of God, learn to be still.

The wisest man who ever lived on earth, King Solomon, echoes the exact same words of God in Ecclesiastes 9:11. Solomon is supposed to have written these words when old, having seen a lot of life as the favourite son of King David, and successor to the throne. He says: "I... saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all." 

Very explicitly Solomon declares that he has nothing to be proud about, and that everything he owns  - the abundance of riches, skill, wisdom, honour, and fame - happened because of the One who created the universe and all things in it. The king whose rule cannot be forgotten in history takes the final bow, giving credit to God for his successful life. This is the ultimate win.

Stay still in God. It is a conqueror trait - very much required to fell the enemy. The 'enemy' need not necessarily be wicked people surrounding you. It can be your sickness; your addictions; any inherited qualities that do not please God; sometimes your ambitions that lead you in ungodly ways; even thoughts that make you choose outside of God's will - everything that distances you from the Living Saviour can be demolished by your 'stillness'. That quiet trust, total obedience, and enduring hope will see you through this month and always, if only you allow yourself to be still in His presence. 

Put your faith in the God whose breath parted the sea, whose voice stilled the raging storm, whose hand stopped the sun in its orbit, and whose help reaches down from heaven to wherever you are - over and over again. The victory is yours when you learn to be still. Sing His praises, pray from your heart, look to Him and receive your miracle.

Have a blessed month of June.

~ Dr. Paul Dhinakaran