Shut Up: Be Still and Know That He is God
Life is filled with trials, challenges, and moments of deep uncertainty. With what is happening in Russia Ukraine and Palestine. The volatility in financial markets. Inflation and the rumour of unemployment. etc.
In these times, our natural instinct is often to talk—venting frustration, complaining, or speaking fear-filled words.
However, Scripture teaches us a powerful principle: sometimes, the best thing we can do is to shut up, be still, and trust God.
Be Still and Know That He Is God
Psalm 46:10 declares:
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This verse is not merely a call to silence but an invitation to trust. To “be still” means to cease striving, worrying, or attempting to control the outcome. When faced with difficult situations, our first reaction should not be panic or negative speech but stillness and confidence in God’s sovereignty.
The Power of Silence in Trouble
In Exodus 14:14, as the Israelites faced the Red Sea with the Egyptian army closing in, Moses told them:
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Instead of giving in to fear, they were commanded to be silent and watch God’s deliverance. When we speak negatively in moments of crisis, we align our words with fear rather than faith. Instead, we should cultivate silence and trust that God is working on our behalf.
Avoiding Negative Confessions
Proverbs 18:21 states:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
The words we speak have the power to shape our reality. Speaking fear, doubt, or negativity in hard times only reinforces defeat. Instead, we should speak faith-filled words or remain silent and meditate on God’s promises.
Biblical Examples of Staying Silent in Faith
- Jesus Before Pilate
When falsely accused before Pilate, Jesus did not defend Himself (Matthew 27:12-14). His silence was an act of trust in the Father’s will. Sometimes, our best response in trouble is silence, allowing God to be our defender. - Job’s Friends and His Words
Job initially remained faithful in his suffering, but when he began to speak, he questioned God (Job 3). In contrast, Joseph in the Bible endured trials silently and saw God’s faithfulness (Genesis 39-41). - Zechariah’s Silence (Luke 1:18-20, 63-64)
When Zechariah doubted God’s promise, he was made mute until the prophecy was fulfilled. His silence prevented him from speaking doubt. This teaches us that restraining negative speech can prepare us for God’s blessing.
Practical Application: How to Be Still and Trust God
- Resist the Urge to Complain
- Instead of saying, “This situation is hopeless,” declare, “With God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
- Meditate on God’s Promises
- When fear arises, remember Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
- Pray Instead of Speaking Negativity
- Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to pray instead of worrying: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Trust God’s Timing
- Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
Conclusion
When trouble arises, our response should be stillness, trust, and faith-filled silence. Instead of speaking words of doubt, we must stand firm, knowing that God is in control. Just as He parted the Red Sea, defended Jesus, and fulfilled His promises to Zechariah, He will also fight for us.
The next time you face a storm, remember: Shut up, be still, and know that He is God.
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Andrew A Lloyds Adeleke
