"Be Still": The Power of Silence in Life's Battles

Karen Scheepers
Apr 18
2 min read

In the rush and noise of everyday life, there’s a profound piece of advice that often gets overlooked: "Be still." This simple phrase isn’t just about stopping for a moment; it's about recognizing the power of silence, especially when we face life's inevitable battles. There's an important lesson in this: sometimes, it’s better to let God be your voice and to fight your battles quietly.

Be Still

Think about it. When we constantly voice our fears and worries, we’re not just venting, we might also be giving our enemies the tools they need to bring us down. Whether it's that coworker who seems to thrive on gossip or that rival who’s always ready to see us falter, the more they know about our fears, the more power they have over us.

But what if we chose to be still instead? Imagine keeping your strategies close to your chest in a tough situation at work or in a personal conflict. By not letting everyone know what scares you, you maintain control over the situation. It’s like playing a game of chess without revealing your next move.

Strategic Silence

This approach isn't about bottling up your emotions or pretending that everything is fine. It's about strategic silence. It’s choosing to share your fears and doubts only with those who genuinely support you, those who will help you carry your burdens rather than use them against you.

And here's where faith steps in. By being still, we allow space for God to work in our lives. We let Him be our voice and our guide. When we stop trying to control everything and start trusting in a higher power, we find strength. As the saying goes, "The enemy only has control over what you allow him to hear." So, if you keep your fears to yourself, your enemies won't have that power over you.

Peace and Wisdom

In real life, this could look like staying calm and composed when you're unfairly criticized. Instead of lashing out or crumbling under pressure, you take a deep breath, give yourself a moment to collect your thoughts, and perhaps even say a quick prayer for strength. In doing so, you’re not just avoiding giving your critics more ammunition, you’re also gaining time to think and allowing God to fill you with peace and wisdom.

Being still doesn’t mean being inactive. It’s about being quietly active. It’s planning, reflecting, and moving forward without unnecessary fanfare. It's about knowing when to speak up and when to let God handle the things that are beyond your control.

Let Him be your advocate

So, the next time you find yourself in a tough spot, remember the power of "be still." Embrace silence as a strategy. Talk to God about your fears, let Him be your advocate, and trust that He is working things out for your good. By doing so, you keep your power, maintain your peace, and stand strong in the face of challenges. After all, the battles we fight in silence are often the ones we win with the most grace.

Worship songs that embrace the Quiet: