Bible Verses about Being Still

In the stillness of the early morning, as the world slumbers around him, a shepherd tends to his flock. Beneath the velvet tapestry of the night sky, he gazes at the stars twinkling like a multitude of celestial beacons. His heart echoes with the words of the Psalmist: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Amid the silence, he feels an intense and intimate connection with the Divine. He understands that sometimes, to truly hear God's voice, one must retreat from the cacophony of the world and enter a space of quiet solitude.

Just as the shepherd found wisdom in the quietude, so can we find a wealth of spiritual insight in the quiet moments of reflection and meditation. The Bible, in its profound wisdom, presents numerous passages that guide us towards understanding the importance of being still and silent before the Lord. Whether you're looking for solace, seeking guidance, or simply desiring a deeper connection with your Creator, these verses about silence and stillness offer a valuable starting point for your spiritual journey.

Bible Verses about Being Still before the Lord

Exodus 14:13-14

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again." The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

1 Samuel 12:16

"Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes."

1 Kings 19:11-12

"And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."

Nehemiah 8:11 (NIV)

The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”

Job 6:24

"Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray."

Job 13:5

"Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom!"

Job 34:29

"When he is quiet, who can condemn? When he hides his face, who can behold him, whether it be a nation or a man?"

Job 37:14

"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God’s wonders."

Psalm 4:4

"Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah"

Psalm 23:2

"He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters."

Psalm 37:7

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"

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!"

Psalm 62:5

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him."

Psalm 107:29

“He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”

Psalm 131:2

"But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me."

Proverbs 17:28

"Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent."

Ecclesiastes 3:7

"a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;"

Isaiah 30:15

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling,"

Lamentations 3:26

"It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

Habakkuk 2:20

"But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him."

Zechariah 2:13

"Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling."

Matthew 6:6

"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Mark 4:39

"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."

1 Thessalonians 4:11

"Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you,"

1 Timothy 2:1-2

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

2 Thessalonians 3:12

"Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living."

James 1:19

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;"

1 Peter 3:4

"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

Revelation 8:1

"When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour."

Verses to Inspire Quiet Meditation

Joshua 1:8

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Psalm 1:1-2

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."

Psalm 19:14

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Romans 12:2

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

A Prayer for Stillness

Heavenly Father,

In this moment of restlessness and turmoil, I seek Your face. I yearn for the stillness that comes only from Your divine presence. As the world around me is rushing and noisy, I come to You in search of peace and quiet.

Help me, O Lord, to quiet my mind and steady my heart. Like a weaned child with its mother, I long for the calm and quiet of Your love enveloping me. Teach me, Father, to slow down, to breathe, and to find rest in You. Help me to silence the loud voices of worry and anxiety that attempt to steal my peace.

May I learn to be still, to let go of my own efforts and understand that You are God. You are in control, and in You, I can find perfect peace. In the midst of the storms of life, help me remember that You command even the winds and the sea, and they obey.

Grant me the grace, Lord, to wait patiently for You, to trust in Your perfect timing. Teach me the wisdom of silence, of waiting on You in hopeful expectation.

In the quietness, may I hear Your voice speaking to my heart, guiding me, and reassuring me of Your constant love and care. Remind me that in stillness, in You, I will find my strength renewed.

Thank You, Father, for the promise of Your peace and the blessing of Your stillness. I commit this time to You, trusting in Your enduring love and faithfulness.

In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.