Be Still

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.“ Ps. 46:10 NIV

We live in a society that glorifies busyness and entertainment.  When you stop at a light and look around, people are usually looking at their phones.  When you are waiting in line somewhere, people are looking at their phones.  For most it is the first thing they look at in the morning and the last thing they look at before going to sleep. Sitting still in silence with no distractions is something few can or will do.  No activity, no phone, no music, just listening and maybe occasionally talking.

It is a gift to be in the presence of the Most High God. To enter into his throne room and talk with Him and listen to Him.  It is a privilege that a select few had in Old Testament times but, as soon as Christ died on the cross, we were all given access.  With Christ becoming our high priest, we no longer require a go between.  We have direct access to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and yet most of us are too busy to be still and know Him. 

Years ago, my husband Jason was going through a very challenging time in his job.  It felt like he was in a great battle having to deal with one thing after another and the onslaught didn’t seem to let up.  As I was praying for him one night God gave me a vision of what looked like a battlefield.  The ground was charred, embers still smoldering from bombs going off and silhouettes of barren and broken trees in the background.  Across the middle of the battlefield came Jesus in a perfectly clean white robe a stark contrast to the dismal battlefield, carrying Jason as he hung limp in his arms.  Alive, but exhausted from battle.  And at that moment I heard, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

It was a perfect picture of being still. Not trying, not working, not even walking alongside.  Resting in the arms of Jesus. “Be still” in the Greek means to cease striving, to slacken or relax. It is in the stillness that we are able to hear, to rest in his presence and know Him as our provider, our comforter, our refuge.  My hope is that through this blog I can share some of the things the Lord shares with me in the stillness – to encourage others to find space to be still, to listen and learn his voice, and to be a light and voice of hope when things seem dark and discouraging.  So today, I encourage you to “Be still and know that [HE] is God…” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).