What does the word ‘BE’ bring to mind?
- A verb/command? For example, Be still!
- A prefix? For example, Befriend.
- An adverb or adjective? For example, Before.
- An abbreviation? For example B.E. [Bachelor of Education].
In the Concise Oxford dictionary, ‘Be’ has number of meanings, of which I’ll focus on the first. “To have presence in perceived reality; exist; live.”
‘Be’ isn’t in the Strong’s Concordance but it is connected to other words: E.g.
‘raphah’: To relax, to let go, to cease, to be weak, to be idle
Original Hebrew word: רָפָה; a verb; Phonetic Spelling: (raw-faw’). This word is linked to ‘Rapha’ [HEB: אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה רֹפְאֶֽךָ׃ ס] in Exodus 15:26, as in
AMPC. ‘for I am the Lord who heals you.’
“Usage: The Hebrew verb “raphah” primarily conveys the idea of slackening or letting go. It can imply physical relaxation or weakness, as well as a metaphorical sense of ceasing from activity or effort … it can mean to be still, to desist, or to become idle … often used to describe a state of rest or a cessation of striving, sometimes in a positive sense of trusting in God and ceasing from one’s own efforts.
Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, the concept of rest and ceasing from labor was significant, especially in the context of the Sabbath, a day dedicated to rest and worship … emphasizing the importance of trusting in God’s provision and timing … And deliverance.”1
Yahweh God revealed Himself to Moses as ‘I AM:’ I Was, I Am, I Will be … I Will BE Who I will BE. [Exodus 3:14]
Do you feel ‘guilty’ if you’re not ‘doing’ something?
‘Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that I
am God. I am God above all the nations, and I am exalted throughout the whole earth’
Psalm 46:10 TPT.
This ‘be’ is ‘har·pū,’ [HEB: הַרְפּ֣וּ וּ֭דְעוּ כִּי־]; the only Biblical occurrence, as in
NAS: ‘Cease [striving] and know. ‘2
I learned about ‘be’ during my recovery from ‘burnout.’ I’d been busy caring for everyone else, except myself. I was a human ‘doing’ instead of a human ‘being.’
When you experience your Creator’s love in your worst moments, you can just ‘be’ in His presence – to be still for Him to come and fill you with all He wants you to be and do through you. Remember, our salvation is because of Yahweh God’s grace through Yeshua dying for us on the Tree; not our ‘works.’ [Ephesians 2:8-9]
Be yourself in His Presence [face-to-face], then download what’s on His heart to flow through your life/pen. Allow Him to love you, then to partner/be with you.
‘BE’ then ‘do’!
1https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7498.htm
2https://biblehub.com/hebrew/harpu_7503.htm
