In Others’ Words: The Right Time to Quit

I have always been intrigued by this particular passage of Scripture:

Cease striving and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10 NASB)

Of course, this isn’t the only passage of Scripture that intrigues me, but it’s the one that’s got my attention right now.

Cease striving.

Aren’t we supposed to work hard? Aren’t we supposed to keep at it? Aren’t we supposed to never quit — ever, ever, ever?

The Hebrew definition of “cease striving” means to sink down, let drop, relax. But don’t think of this “cease striving” as some gentle invitation from God. No, it’s more of a slap-down to the Israelites for trying to handle things on their own, rather than trusting in Him.

Hmmmm. Stop trying to handle things on my own and trust God?

Well, of course I trust God — insert nervous laughter here — but I’d also like to continue handling things on my own, please and thank you.

Ahem. 

And there’s the problem: I can’t trust God and want to control my life. If I choose to trust God, then that demands that I cease striving.

I also have to remember the second part of the verse: I have to remember who I am trusting.

Cease striving. Why? Because God is God. And who have I discovered him to be? Why is he trustworthy? Why can I sink down, let drop, relax?

Here’s a verse that brought me comfort tonight: Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NASB)

Peace in every circumstance. Every one.

Cease striving and know that God will continually grant you peace in every circumstance.

In Your Words: Why can you cease striving? How would you complete this sentence: Cease striving and know ____________________.

When is it the right time to to quit? Click to Tweet

Trusting vs. Striving: What do you know about God? Click to Tweet