Jordan Smith - Be Still & Know Lyrics
Lyrics
It's never too late to start again, the broken will see the light
Wherever you are, you're never too far, what's buried will come to life
It's never too late, never too late, never too late, oh-oh
You're never too far, never too far gone
Lift up your eyes, lift up your head
The story isn't over yet
Just hold on and be still and know that He is God
Open the door, let in the light
You don't have to fight this fight
Just hold on and be still and know that He is God
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Be still, be still and know
Don't give up no matter what, the storm is gonna pass
You're so much stronger than you think you are, you were built to last
Never give up, never give up, no
'Cause you're never too far, never too far gone, oh, oh-oh, oh
Lift up your eyes, lift up your head
The story isn't over yet
Just hold on and be still and know that He is God
(And know that He is God)
Open the door, let in the light
You don't have to fight this fight (You don't have to fight this fight)
Just hold on and be still and know that He is God
When you're walking through the fire and your faith is on the line
Just look a little closer
When you're falling through the night, let the spirit in you rise
Let it rise
Lift up your eyes, lift up your head
The story isn't over yet
Just hold on and be still and know that He is God
Open the door and let in the light
You don't have to fight this fight (You don't have to fight this fight)
Just hold on and be still and know that He is God
(And know that He is God)
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Be still, be still and know (You don't have to fight this fight)
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Be still and know
Be still, be still and know
You don't have to fight this fight
Be still and know
Video
Jordan Smith - Be Still & Know (Performance Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Jordan Smith’s powerful anthem, "Be Still & Know," released on September 24, 2021, as the title track of his album, immediately establishes itself as a profound spiritual anchor for anyone navigating life's relentless currents. At its heart, the song draws deep from the wellspring of faith, presenting a tender yet firm invitation to find peace and reassurance in divine sovereignty. It’s a musical reminder that even when the world feels chaotic and our personal struggles overwhelming, there is a sacred command and comfort to be found in simply ceasing our striving and recognizing God's omnipotence.
The title and recurring chorus, "Be still and know that He is God," are direct echoes of Psalm 46:10, a cornerstone Scripture that calls for a cessation of human effort and a recognition of God's supreme authority amidst turmoil. This isn't merely a passive suggestion but an active surrender, urging us to quiet our racing thoughts and anxieties, to release our grip on what we cannot control, and to place our trust in a higher power. The song beautifully articulates this spiritual discipline, translating an ancient truth into a contemporary plea for peace in an often-unsettled world, reminding us that true strength is found not in fighting every battle ourselves, but in acknowledging God's unyielding presence.
From its opening lines, the song extends a gracious hand of hope to the weary and broken, declaring, "It's never too late to start again, the broken will see the light." This message resonates deeply with the redemptive themes woven throughout Scripture, such as Lamentations 3:22-23, which speaks of God's mercies being new every morning, or Revelation 21:5, promising new beginnings. It’s a profound assurance that no past mistake or present struggle can disqualify one from a fresh start, affirming that "wherever you are, you're never too far gone." This promise echoes God’s boundless grace, which reaches into the deepest valleys to resurrect hope and bring buried dreams and identities back to life, much like Isaiah 43:18-19 speaks of God doing a new thing.
The song then offers powerful encouragement for perseverance, urging us to "Lift up your eyes, lift up your head, the story isn't over yet." This is a call to look beyond immediate circumstances, mirroring the psalmist who lifts his eyes to the hills for help (Psalm 121:1-2) or the command in Hebrews 12:2 to fix our eyes on Jesus. It dismisses the temptation to despair with the resolute declaration, "Don't give up no matter what, the storm is gonna pass," bolstering the spirit with the truth that "you're so much stronger than you think you are, you were built to last." Such encouragement aligns with verses like Philippians 4:13, which speaks of finding strength in Christ, and James 1:2-4, which frames trials as opportunities for developing perseverance.
A central theme of surrender emerges through lines like "Open the door, let in the light, You don't have to fight this fight." This is an invitation to lay down burdens, an echo of Jesus's offer in Matthew 11:28-30 to those who are weary and heavy-laden. The message is clear: there are battles meant to be handed over to divine intervention, allowing grace to illuminate paths forward that human effort alone cannot forge. It emphasizes casting anxieties onto God because of His care, as expressed in 1 Peter 5:7, encouraging a posture of reception rather than relentless striving.
The bridge takes us deeper into the crucible of faith, acknowledging moments "When you're walking through the fire and your faith is on the line." This imagery directly evokes biblical narratives of enduring trials, such as Daniel's friends in the fiery furnace or Isaiah 43:2, where God promises His presence through the fire and water. The instruction to "just look a little closer" suggests a deeper level of discernment, recognizing God's presence even in the most intense suffering. The subsequent call to "let the spirit in you rise" is a powerful affirmation of the indwelling Holy Spirit, reminding believers that they possess an inner strength and resilience that transcends their own capabilities, enabling them to overcome adversity not by their might but by divine power.
Ultimately, "Be Still & Know" serves as a profound spiritual anchor, a melodic and lyrical sermon that ministers comfort and courage. It reminds us that amidst life’s inevitable storms, worries, and personal battles, the most powerful act is often to simply quiet our souls and remember the unwavering truth of God’s sovereignty. Jordan Smith’s vocal delivery, though not the focus here, undoubtedly amplifies this message, making it not just a song, but a vital declaration of faith designed to uplift, encourage, and redirect our focus from temporal anxieties to eternal trust. It's a timeless message delivered for a modern world, guiding us back to the peace found in simply being still and knowing.