I can remember as a youngster sitting in church with my grandparents. Normally, after the pleasantries of meeting their friends and having them pinch my cheeks and pull on my strikingly blond hair I would find retreat between the two of them in the middle of the pew.

I am not sure what you call it (because these days and in our culture I suppose everything has a name) but I would have a hard time sitting still. Often times I would sit, rocking my knees back and forth, causing the entire pew to shake. Or shuffle my feet back and forth on the carpet like I was trying to wear a hole. Generally Grandpa would try to ignore it but I know (if there is any of him in me) that it drove him crazy, he just loved me enough to overlook it. However, Grandma would take my hand in hers. She would gently scratch my palm or lightly pinch my fingers between her aged but precious hands. Instantly I would calm and be still.

There is a phrase used in the Psalms that reminds me of those days. It is “be still, and know that I am God.” In Psalm 46:10 the Psalmist lists all these things that God can do and does and then pauses to reflect…”be still and know that I am God.”

In this phrase in Hebrew the intention of “be still” is not merely to cease an action. Rather the purpose of the “ceasing” (be still) is for the benefit of the “knowing” (and know that I am God). So the question is, do we pause long enough each day to know who God is? Do we sit still, hold still, and be still long enough to hear Him speak and see Him move?

It was always amazing how much I would get out of a sermon when Grandma was holding my hand.

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! . . . Come see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. he breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:1-3, 8-10