Be Still and Know: Comfort in God’s Presence

Be still, and know that I am God – Psalm 46:10a

When I was younger, I used to love to spend the night at my grandmother’s house by myself. No sisters. No cousins. Just me and my grandmother. My grandmother loved to read as much as I do, and we’d spend hours in her living room just reading. She’d sit in her recliner, and I’d sprawl across the couch. We’d sit in silence, broken only when she wanted to read me a funny line or she asked what my book was about and if I liked it. I loved those moments. I felt so close to her even though we didn’t speak. Just knowing she was there, knowing that our silence was companionable, not strained and weary.

Those moments have made me appreciate the value of God’s presence, of His command to be still and know He is God. Because just knowing He’s there can be comforting.

After both of my grandmothers died, I went through a time where I couldn’t talk to God. I knew He was there, I just didn’t know what to say. I’d lie awake at night staring at the ceiling, wanting to say something but unable to form any words. Sometimes all I could manage was, “Oh, God.”

But God was there. I could feel Him with me. And I would remind myself that the Bible says the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us in prayer (Romans 8:26). That God knows what’s in our hearts (Romans 8:27). I knew He was there when I was ready. And I knew He was there when I wasn’t.

It took some time, but eventually I managed to break out of that numb state. I realized the issue holding me back, and God and I had a good, long, and cleansing chat. Now I can honestly say my faith is stronger because of that period. Because God proved He would always be there for me.

So if you find yourself in a spiritual valley, remind yourself He’s there. When you don’t know what to do, remind yourself He’s there. His Word says that He’ll never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Take comfort in His presence. And always remember to be still and know that He is God.

For more on God’s provision and providence, check out my post I’ve Never Seen the Righteous Forsaken.