Be Still and Know by T. E. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 15, 1910

Be Still and Know

By T. E. Bowen

T. E. BOWEN

Sometimes we find ourselves addressing the Master of assemblies as if we were not really sure that he is listening to what we are saying, even when praying. We need to remember that, in our relationship to God, the danger is not that he will not hear us, but that we shall fail to hear what he is saying. The dulness of ear is on our part, not on his.

Did you ever notice how often, in his teaching, Jesus brings in the expression, “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear”?” After he had ascended to heaven, and must use his representative to speak to his people on the earth, over and over in the Revelation the statement is made, “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith.” Jesus knew that some very important things might escape our ears because we were not listening. Worldly

noises produce such a din about our spiritual ears that that “still small voice” is not perceived at all. If you really wish to hear, then obey God when he says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Shut out all other voices clamoring for attention, and listen until you hear his voice.

Job came to an experience of this kind. He says: “Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up: it stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying, Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his Maker?” Job thought he was about right until he came into this close contact with God. That awful silence revealed to him that there was, beyond anything he had ever experienced, an infinitude of everything really desirable in the way of purity and goodness and love.

God can help only that man who senses his helplessness, and reaches out for help. As long as we continue so busy about this and that, so filled with other interests that we have no time to be still, to listen, to enter that place of silence, God waits. He waits for us to become quiet. He knows our need, and his ear is attentive; for he says, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it can not save; neither his ear heavy, that it can not hear.” Isa. 59:1.

“Be still, and know.” Yes, know that God hears your call; know that he is working for you; know that, knowing all about you, he cares; know that still voice when it speaks; know there is a design he is working out in your life, not only to compass your own salvation, but that of others as well. These are some of the things we may know when we wait before God in the silence of the secret place of prayer. Let us not miss what he has for us by failing to be still, and listen to what he may say to us.

Takoma Park, D. C.