Be Still

Surely everyone is familiar with the verse from Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God."  I've seen it printed on everything from hot pads to t-shirts.  Be still.  That's not the pace my life runs at.  It's not just that I don't have time to "Be still" it's that I don't think I remember how.

Why?  Why are we supposed to take the time to be still and know that He is God?  I mean, I'm living my life for Him already, right?  I am a living sacrifice.  I've surrendered my life to Him to be used as He sees fit.  I worship Him and lead others into worship as well.  So, why the need to be still?

Life is chaotic.  With two kids (soccer, school, etc), both parents working full time (or more), dedication to multiple roles in multiple ministries...yeah, life is just a little hectic.  It's easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of life.  Sometimes it feels like I'm hanging on by a thread, like one more source of stress, irritation, or even resentment, will cause something to come crashing down.  It might cause everything to come crashing down.  

One verse earlier in the Bible, it says "He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth."  Psalm 46 starts with "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the hearth of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."    I believe wars are more common than just Iraq or Afghanistan.  Wars happen every day, between friends, co-workers, family members, spouses...any place there is a relationship between two people a war can break out.  Yet He can make wars cease.  He can eliminate the conflict in my life (and yours).  He also can be a refuge.  I like the sound of that.  I envision that as Jesus physically holding and comforting me during my trials.  All I have to do is turn to Him.

When we're caught in the middle of this storm of chaos and confusion, it can be difficult to hear God.  It can be difficult to trust Him to come through for us.  When I'm overwhelmed, I think about everything I should be doing and how I can get it done..more lists, more coffee, less sleep, get this done, get that done.  It's all up to me.  When I take time to be still, that is when I pray.  That is when my soul opens up to Him.  I see and know that He is more powerful than any stress in my life.  He can move mountains, He can deliver entire nations from annihilation.  It is in stillness and in prayer that I can open myself up and let go.  I see that the chaos in my life is insignificant when compared to His glory.  

In one famous passage of the old testament, God spoke in a whisper that followed a chaotic storm.  I urge you, listen for that whisper.  You may have to be still to hear it, so find a moment and carve out some peace.  Open up to Him, and listen.

Be still.  He is God.