Be Still and Know

Chuckle: The judge looked sternly at the two men in his court and asked, "Can't this case be settled out of court"? One of the men replied, "Your honor, we were trying to do that when the police came."

Good Quote: "If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot." --John Bunyan

    "Be still (silent, quiet), and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 NIV). "Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything" (Psalm 46:10 MSG).

Just saying the words, "be still," or "stillness" is calming and soothing to our minds and bodies. But, I must admit, I'm not very good at just being still, are you? If you are like most people these days, your life is in a constant state of hustle and bustle and you feel as if you're always behind the power curve. You may not be getting enough sleep. You may be constantly running out of time before you exhaust your list of things you think need to be done. You may find it increasingly difficult just to find stillness, peace, and quiet. We all need some down time in a peaceful and restful oasis where we can put down our burdens and refresh our minds and hearts.

In our passage, God is telling His people to take time each day to be still and quietly consider who He is, and to exalt/honor Him. He further says, "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." When we step back from the frustrations and cares that beset us and spend some quiet time reflecting on God's love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness, we will want to fall at His feet with thanksgiving and adoration. Then He will affirm that He is the Almighty and has everything under control. Just think how comfortable you feel when you know everything that bothers you is being taken care of -- when you become aware that everything is going to be alright. When we trust in our Lord, everything will be alright.

When we begin to grasp the power and sovereignty of Almighty God, we will want to serve Him and learn more of Him each day. Today, be still and focus your heart and mind on God, and His presence will become increasingly real to you and His power will protect you and give you peace even in the worst times of turmoil and uncertainty.

Heart surgeon, Michael E. DeBakey, once observed: "For me, the solitude of early morning is the most precious time of day. There is the quiet serenity that disappears a few hours later with the hustle and bustle of the multitude. Early morning hours symbolize for me a rebirth; the anxieties, frustrations, and woes of the preceding day seem to have been washed away during the night. God has granted another day of life, another chance to do something worthwhile for humanity."

 

Love, Jerry & Dotse