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
Be Still & Know
Be Still & Know Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on August 27, 2021, Jordan Smith's song "Be Still & Know" arrives as a gentle yet powerful invitation to pause and anchor oneself in divine truth. At its core, the song draws its name and central theme directly from 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." This verse, nestled within a psalm that speaks of natural disasters and global turmoil – "though the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:2) – offers a profound contrast: amidst chaos, the command is stillness, and in that stillness, the revelation is God's unwavering identity and ultimate sovereignty. The song captures this tension, acknowledging the anxieties and noise of the world while offering the scriptural response: quiet your soul and recognize God's presence and power. It’s a message particularly resonant in uncertain times, a reminder that true peace is not found in the absence of trouble, but in the secure knowledge of who God is, no matter the circumstances.
Musically, "Be Still & Know" complements its scriptural foundation with an arrangement that fosters introspection and peace. Smith's vocal performance is tender and controlled, conveying a sense of calm authority that mirrors the divine command. The melody unfolds gracefully, avoiding dramatic swells or complex structures, opting instead for a simple, flowing quality that allows the message to sit with you. The instrumentation is understated, often featuring piano and subtle strings that create an atmospheric space, inviting a meditative state. There’s a beautiful synergy between the sonic landscape and the lyrical content, making the command to "be still" feel not like a passive inaction, but an active surrender and conscious choice to trust. The song doesn't just speak about stillness; it sonically embodies it, guiding you towards that quiet place where faith can flourish.
The power of this song is significantly amplified when viewed through the lens of various Bible passages that echo its theme of trusting God amidst life's storms. Just as Psalm 46 reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1), the song points towards this same divine security. It calls to mind Jesus' words to His disciples when facing a tempest: "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40), and His subsequent calming of the storm. The song’s message of knowing God in stillness aligns with verses that encourage casting anxieties upon Him "because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7) and seeking the "peace of God, which transcends all understanding" that will "guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). It’s a musical embodiment of learning to rest in the assurance that "the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want... He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul" (Psalm 23:1-3). The song serves as a gentle nudge towards the truth that our standing and security are not found in our own efforts or the world's stability, but in the unchanging nature and promises of God, who is indeed God, and who will be exalted.
Ultimately, Jordan Smith's "Be Still & Know" is more than just a song; it's a spiritual discipline set to music. It serves as a timely reminder in a restless world that the key to inner peace and unwavering faith lies in actively choosing to quiet the external noise and internal chatter to remember and rely on who God is. It encourages a posture of faith that acknowledges the surrounding challenges but shifts focus to the One who holds all things together. For anyone navigating uncertainty, feeling overwhelmed, or simply seeking a deeper connection with the divine, this song offers a clear, comforting, and scripturally-grounded pathway back to the foundational truth: amidst it all, be still, and know that He is God. It is a beautiful and effective piece of worship music that resonates with the enduring truth of God's sovereignty and His call for His children to find their rest and assurance in Him.