And the word is....

 "Be still and know that I am God" Psalms 46:10

As I have been thinking about my word for 2024, this verse has continued to come to my mind over and over. Be still is speaking to me, but what does being still mean? Is this really going to be my word? And does be still count since it's two words? And really, are there rules about MY word? 

Be still to me, is quieting myself and listening to God. For me, it also reminds me to allow others to speak before I speak. I also think that sometimes, it's okay for me not to insert my opinion into every situation...I need to let others be heard without stating how I feel. The author is saying through this verse that no matter what was happening around him, God was his refuge and strength. I like that and fully agree, but that's not the entire verse.

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted above the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalms 46:10

I searched GotQuestions.org to find some more information. According to that site, the word still comes from the Hebrew word rapa (or raphah), meaning to slacken, let down, or cease. Many people look at the phrase be still in the manner that I do, but it can also mean to stop frantic activity, to let down, and to be still. Being still involves looking to God for help. It also means to stop fighting a battle that I cannot win. Several other sites also show me that be still in not just taking time to quiet myself and listen. It is so much more. It is God commanding us to release control of a situation to Him. It's surrendering control. That's a lot...surrender control. Be still is a command to take time to pause and reflect to remind ourselves that God is in control.

"He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be Still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm" Mark 4:39

The disciples are in a boat with Jesus during a storm. Jesus is sleeping and the disciples are afraid. They wake Him and he tells the storm "Quiet! Be Still!" Basically, He is telling the storm to shut up. I need to hear that message at times, I need to shut up. Is this what I carry with me into 2024?

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." Psalms 37:7

Knowing-Jesus.com says that being still is resting in Him, trusting in His truth, abiding in His love, and being content to wait for His timing. The site also mentions having purposeful patience and not being glum. I like this usage of being still. If I am trusting in God's truth, I need to be reading His word. I need to wait, and in that waiting, I need to be content. I need to stop worrying about what people around me are doing and keep my focus on God. 

So, my word (or in this case, words) for 2024 is Be Still. Surrender to God, shut up when it's time, and rest in Him. It's time to start the journey....