When God speaks to Israel in this well-known verse of Scripture, He is not simply telling them to “be still” or to “rest”. This was most likely written during a time of war, and God is commanding them, Israel, to “stop fighting,” or as in some translations it is phrased “cease striving,” and start appreciating just Who He is.
It is all too normal to become anxious when things are not going satisfactorily or when we are confronted with challenges and discord in our life. However, in the midst of Israel’s struggle, God tells His people to “wake up” and be aware of just Who is on their side!
That being true, the tenor of this verse could well be read along these lines: “Stop striving, stop fighting, and stop trying to do things on your own! Stop your stressing about the confrontation to come and trust Me! Wake up! I Am the LORD! I am your Shelter and your Strength. Do not be afraid for I am with you. Be still, I will fight your battles. I will do business with your enemies. So, stand aside. Step back. Look to, and acknowledge, Who I am. Let Me be God. Do not try to do what I can do. Be patient! Be still! Allow Me to work.”
These words would have been a great help to the people of Israel in the face of their battles, and they should be a great comfort for we believers today in our struggles and discord amid this Covid-19 isolation period.
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Sometimes in this life, we just need to realize there are some things we cannot fix on our own. Stop our useless striving and acknowledge Who God is able to do. This brings His peace in the midst of our struggle.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)