Be Still and Know

 

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
— Psalm 46:10 (KJV)

Today I was reminded of this scripture when a friend shared a quote from Melody Beattie that struck a deep chord:

“From that place of stillness, the right action will emerge, and you will find your next step. From that place of stillness, you can move into the present moment. There you will find your power, and there you will find God.”

Both of these quotes—one from the Psalms and one from recovery literature—speak to the same truth: stillness is a gateway to connection, clarity, and healing.

In Psalm 46, the words "Be still" come in the middle of chaos: mountains quake, waters roar, and nations are in turmoil. And in the eye of that storm, God speaks—not with thunder, but with calm:
"Be still..."
It’s not just a gentle suggestion. It’s a spiritual reminder: "You don’t need to fix this. Just stop. I’ve got this."

In the context of recovery, the same principle appears in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous:

“We pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action.”
— Big Book, p. 87

That sacred pause becomes a spiritual act. Instead of reacting from fear or control, we learn to sit quietly and listen. The same passage goes on to promise that in this space, we avoid foolish decisions, stay calm, and stop burning energy trying to force outcomes. That pause—that stillness—saves us.

I’ve also heard wisdom from an old-timer in AA that goes:

“You don’t always have to move forward. Sometimes standing still, staying sober, and breathing is the most powerful act of growth.”

Other voices echo this truth:

“Only in still waters can we see our true reflection.” — Taoist Proverb

“Stillness is not about focusing on nothingness; it’s about creating an emotional clearing to allow ourselves to feel, think, dream, and question.” — Brené Brown

Even the world of horse racing knows the value of stillness. Horses must be still at the gate before the race can begin. That pause allows for the most efficient and successful start.

So it is with us.

From the Book of Mormon comes a deeply reassuring promise of what can happen when we surrender control and place our trust in God:

“But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind... he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage.”
— Mosiah 7:33

Stillness is where that trust begins.

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🕊 Closing Reflection:

In both scripture and recovery, stillness is more than silence—it's a sacred pause, a doorway to clarity, healing, and connection. Whether in the chaos of the world or the turbulence within, we are invited to be still and trust that God is present, guiding, and powerful. In that stillness, we don't find weakness—we find wisdom, our next right step, and the strength to move forward with grace.