Be Still and Know

There’s a strange kind of courage in being still. Especially for those of us who build, lead, and create for a living. Stillness doesn’t come naturally when our minds are wired for motion—ideas to chase, deadlines to meet, people to serve. But Scripture reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

It’s an invitation to stop striving—not because the work isn’t important, but because the work isn’t ours to carry alone.

The Stillness Between Strategy and Surrender

In business, we’re taught that success rewards the hustler. The one who plans, performs, and pushes through. Yet, in God’s economy, the real growth often happens in the quiet pause between action and awareness.

Stillness gives God space to reorder our thoughts and reframe our purpose. It shifts us from asking, “What’s next?” to asking, “What’s right?” It’s in that moment that we begin to see that not every opportunity is meant to be pursued and not every door is ours to open.

When we’re still, we stop forcing outcomes and start discerning direction. That’s when His plan—not our pressure—starts to take shape.

Stillness Reveals Purpose

For business owners, stillness often unmasks the difference between busyness and purpose. It asks:

• Am I building this because I’m called to or because I’m afraid to stop?

• Is this goal born of faith or fear?

For professionals, stillness can uncover the quiet truth beneath ambition. Maybe the job title or promotion isn’t what God had in mind—but a deeper impact in the same place is.

Stillness refines. It reminds us that clarity doesn’t come from motion; it comes from listening.

Knowing Comes After the Stillness

The verse doesn’t just say, “Be still.” It says, “Be still and know.”
The knowing is the reward for the waiting. It’s what happens when we finally step out of the noise and let God speak into our next move.

When we choose stillness, we stop chasing certainty and start receiving confidence—the kind that comes from trusting the One who already knows the outcome.

So take that pause. Sit with the question instead of rushing for the answer. Trust that the silence isn’t empty—it’s sacred.

Because when you’re still long enough to listen, you’ll begin to know exactly where God is leading you next.

About the Author

Laura Templeton is the Founder and Chief Instigator at 30 Second Success, a speaker, author, and brand strategist who helps entrepreneurs and professionals communicate with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Her books — 30 Second Success: Ditch the Pitch and Start Connecting!, Stand in Your Brand: Harness the Power of AI for Brand Success, Efficiency, and Client Attraction, and Compassionate Leadership: Building Strong Brands through Empathy, Connection, and Continuous Improvement — inspire business leaders to connect authentically and lead with heart.