Be still and know that I am God. So often I hear these familiar words from Psalm 46:10 and I bristle. The irony is that when we do attempt to be still, the more uptight we become. Rather than becoming quiet and serene, we see how unquiet and uptight our heads really are. The Jewish translator, Robert Alter, translates the verb “be still” as “let go.” Literally it means to relax one’s grip, like a clenched fist that has been holding on so tight, and then loosens its grip. “Be still” sounds like something a nervous parent might say to a fidgety child. It doesn’t work. The child becomes more restless. The same for the rest of us.
Alters’ translation reads, “Let go, and know that I am God.” This is what God is saying: “Trust me, I am God. You are not. So learn to let go." It’s a practice. Like any practice, it takes practice. It must be practiced. It is good when you are having trouble falling asleep. It is good when that “moron” irritates you once more. It is good at prayer time. Really good. You are not God. God is God. Let go. We need to loosen our grip.
Charles Preble, OblSB
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