21 Important Bible Verses About Being Still (With Commentary)
In the chaos and busyness of life, finding moments of stillness can be a challenge. However, the Bible reminds us of the importance of quieting our hearts and minds, seeking solace in God’s presence.
Join me as we explore a collection of Bible verses that inspire us to be still, to listen, and to experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Bible Verses About Being Still
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
This verse emphasizes the importance of stillness, allowing us to rest in the knowledge that God is in control, and we don’t have to be. When we are still, it allows us to fully recognize and acknowledge God’s sovereignty in our lives.
Exodus 14:14
“The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
This verse serves as a reminder to trust in the Lord, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. If we can remain still, knowing that God is fighting for us, we can find peace and strength in Him.
Mark 4:39
“He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind stopped, and the sea was calm.”
Jesus demonstrated His power and authority over creation by calming the storm. This verse is a reminder that when we encounter tumultuous situations in our lives, Jesus is the one who can calm the storm and bring stillness to our souls.
Psalm 37:7
“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.”
This verse reminds us to patiently wait on the Lord, even when things around us may seem chaotic or unjust. Trusting in God’s plan and timing is essential to finding stillness and peace in the midst of difficulty.
Habakkuk 2:20
“The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”
This verse emphasizes the awesomeness of God and reminds us that true stillness can be found in His presence. We should approach Him with humility and reverence, recognizing His greatness and power.
Psalm 131:2
“Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me.”
The psalmist compares their state of stillness with that of a weaned child, no longer crying out for their mother’s milk. This verse reminds us to find contentment in God’s presence and to be at peace with where we are in our journey of faith.
Psalm 23:2-3
“He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”
This verse reflects on the rest and peace we can find in God’s provision. When we allow Him to guide us, we can find refreshment and stillness in Him.
Isaiah 30:15
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength…”
This verse emphasizes the importance of returning to God and finding rest in Him. When we are still in His presence and trust Him, we can find the strength we need to face whatever we may encounter.
Psalm 62:1
“I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting on the Lord and finding stillness in His presence. Our victory in life truly comes from Him, and finding stillness before Him is necessary to gain insight and understanding.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus offers us rest from the burdens of life and invites us to come to Him for peace and stillness. When we fully surrender to Him, we can experience true rest and renewal in our soul.
Psalm 131:1
“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.”
This verse reminds us to approach God with humility, recognizing our own limitations and need for Him. It encourages us to confess our pride and find stillness in surrendering to His will.
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in our faith and trusting in God. When we are fully surrendered to Him, we can find the peace and stillness we so desperately need in life.
Psalm 131:2-3
“But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.”
This verse emphasizes the contentment and peace that can be found in God’s presence. It encourages us to put our hope in Him and trust that He will lead us to still waters and green pastures.
Luke 10:41-42
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
This verse serves as a reminder that in the midst of busyness, it’s important to take a moment to be still and sit at the feet of Jesus. Focusing on Him and His teachings can bring stillness and clarity to our lives.
Psalm 37:10-11
“A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.”
This verse encourages us to find peace and stillness in knowing that the wicked will not ultimately triumph. God will ultimately triumph and those who trust in Him will inherit the land and enjoy peace.
Psalm 131:3
“Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.”
This verse emphasizes that our hope should be in the Lord, not in ourselves or the circumstances of life. When we put our hope in Him, we can find the strength and stillness we need to face whatever life may bring.
Psalm 62:5
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of finding rest and hope in God. When we trust in Him and find stillness in His presence, we can find the peace and comfort we desperately need in life.
2 Chronicles 20:17
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”
This verse reminds us that God is with us and fighting for us, and that we don’t have to be afraid or discouraged. When we stand still in His promises and trust in His faithfulness, He will lead us to victory.
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
This verse emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and finding strength and courage in Him. When we are still in His presence and trust in His plan, we can find the peace and confidence we need to face whatever may come our way.
Isaiah 43:1-2
“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
This verse offers reassurance that God is with us, even in the most difficult of circumstances. When we find stillness in His presence and trust in His promises, we can have confidence that He will never leave us or forsake us.
What does the Bible say About Being Still?
The concept of “being still” is mentioned several times throughout the Bible, and it often carries spiritual significance. In a general sense, being still refers to finding peace and quietness amidst the busyness and noise of life. It involves a deliberate decision to pause, reflect, and wait on God, seeking His presence and guidance.
One well-known verse that emphasizes the importance of being still is found in Psalm 46:10 (NIV), which says: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” In this verse, God calls His people to cease striving, trust in His sovereignty, and recognize His authority over all creation.
Being still is often associated with practicing patience and trust in God’s timing and plan. When we are still, we open ourselves to hearing His voice and understanding His purposes. It can also serve as a means to let go of anxiety and worry, placing our burdens upon Him. Psalm 37:7 (NIV) encourages us to “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself demonstrated the importance of being still during His ministry. In Mark 1:35 (NIV), we see that Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray and spend time with His Heavenly Father. This practice exemplifies the need for believers to find moments of solitude and silence, away from the distractions of the world, to strengthen their relationship with God.
Being still does not imply inactivity but rather a posture of the heart that seeks God’s presence, wisdom, and direction. It requires humility, acknowledging our dependence on God, and surrendering our own agendas. By being still, we cultivate a deeper spiritual connection and draw closer to God, allowing Him to work in our lives and transform us from the inside out.
Overall, the Bible encourages us to embrace stillness as an essential part of our spiritual journey, recognizing that it is in those moments of quietude that we can best encounter God and experience His peace that surpasses all understanding.
