Be Still and Know
Being still is difficult for me. I don’t like wasting time so I always make sure I have a book or podcast available to listen to, my journal for writing down tidbits of inspiration, or a bag packed for the gym just in case I have some extra time.
Quieting my mind is difficult for me too! I frequently have to remind myself that it’s not only okay, but good for me to sit in silence and take in deep breaths of peace and calm while exhaling all the tensions and angsts of the day.
While this kind of stillness is indeed good, I think there is a deeper stillness that God calls us to practice. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” I don’t think this is a passive stillness, but a call to stop and look to Him. This sounds easy until difficult circumstances loom large before us and we become preoccupied with ways to defend ourselves and/or fearful of the outcomes.
I think it’s important to note that this Psalm was written during a time of war and deep troubles. Certainly this would be a time to build up defenses and plan strategic ways to defeat the enemy, right? But God wants to remind us that He alone is our Defender and that He is our only true Refuge and Strength. When we are facing difficulties, He wants us to cease all of our striving and trust Him.
Are you facing difficult circumstances? Has doubt begun to creep into your thoughts and create hints of panic? Be still and trust. Remember who God is. Think upon all that He has already done and all that He has promised to do! He will reveal His unmistakable plan for you! (Isaiah 30 : 21)
Difficulties can easily drain our energy and hope. God asks us to hand over our worries in exchange for His Peace (Philippians 4 : 6 – 7). No matter how frightening the circumstances that surround us, we have a Helper who promises to always be with us and He will direct our steps! He promises new mercies for each new day (Lamentations 3 : 22 – 23). Do we stop and look for them? Or are we too busy trying to overcome our circumstances on our own?
Lord, when are feeling kicked around and full of fear, may we remember to be still and look to You. May we put our whole trust in You and surrender all attempts to hold on in our own strength, for You alone are our only Help. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You, in God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Psalm 56 : 3
