Be Still and Surrender?

If you know me, you know that I like to be on the move. I like to walk everywhere, I don’t do much sitting, and I certainly prefer fast over slow.  When it comes to my quiet time, I am always challenged to slow down, to “be still.” The Lord encourages me in His Word to “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

What a wake-up call!  Daily, I need to be reminded to take time to slow down and be quiet before the Lord in His Word and in prayer. 

Recently, something caught my attention regarding Psalm 46:10. At a recent retreat, the speaker mentioned that the words “be still” mean something different than what I had previously believed. The phrase “be still” is actually taken from the Hebrew word rapha which means “to be weak, to let go, to release.” Isn’t that interesting? I need to first surrender to Him so that I can better know Him. I need to surrender to Him so He can lead. Now, as I approach my time with the Lord each day, I better understand that I need to enter His presence with open hands, release my grip on my life and my circumstances, and then learn more about my Savior. 

I just had to share! I hope you are encouraged and will consider slowing down, being still, surrendering, and learning more about God each day!