Be Still

“Be still, and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”  (Psalm 46:10 KJV)

This summer I was introduced to a Christian, inspirational fiction series, written by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella (the first two and then after just Michael)—The Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister.  The series opens during the days of the California gold rush and continues through the post-Civil War period.  In reflecting on this time period, I realize that while things weren't easy or simple in many ways, there was a stillness, a quietness that life in the 21^st century simply doesn't allow.  Travel during this period was anything but quick or safe.  Prior to the coast-to-coast railroad travel from the east coast to the west was arduous and slow (horse and buggy—wagon trains or stagecoach).  Life during this time, while not easy seems to have lent itself to times of quiet reflection, stillness. 

Yes, people were busy, just like we are today.  However, their busyness was different than our busyness.  They were busy simply trying to survive—get food on the table, care for their family, and make a living.   

Life in the 21^st century is anything but still.  People are running to and fro—going from one activity to another at a breakneck speed, technology seems to morph overnight; knowledge is multiplying so rapidly that it’s impossible to keep up (see Daniel 12:4 see here), and we are suffering for it in a variety of ways. 

Due to the internet and social media sites we’re more connected than ever before, yet not connected at the same time.  Relationships seem to be characterized (many times) by shallowness. 

It’s no wonder our brains and bodies feel completely overwhelmed and frazzled at times!    

I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to simply be still and wait for God to come to me.  Even though, I know that I need to be still, I find myself time and time again scurrying from one thing to another—if not physically then mentally.  Sadly, God gets crowded out; and I end up exhausted—physically and emotionally. 

What about you: How are you about being still and letting God come to you and commune with you?  As the second verse of the hymn, Be Still, My Soul (Public Domain) states: “Be still my soul, thy God doth undertake to guide the future as He has the past; thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake—All now mysterious shall be bright at last.  Be still my soul—the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.”

What does it mean to be still?  How can you take some time each day in the coming week to be still and wait upon the Lord? 

 

Please join me in prayer:

Dear Lord of All, we confess that many times we find it hard to be still and know that you are God.  Help us to learn how to be still and wait for you to come to us.  We acknowledge that we need this stillness in the midst of our busy schedules; nudge us into those places of quiet rest.  In Your precious name, we pray, Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim