Let Be and Be Still

 Psalm 46:10a

Be still and know that I am God.  NIV

Cease striving and know that I am God.  NASB

Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God.  AMP

      Let be and be still. Sounds like a good idea to me. Why, then, do I insist on taking control of my situation, of trying to see three steps ahead of me on the path God is taking me down? He asks me to be still. I tend to move and do and be productive and plan and know.  

      

     In all honesty, I just want to know.  I want to know what will be next.  I want to know how it will all turn out in the end. I want to know that the journey will not be too hard. I want to know... what God knows. 

     Seems to me another female desired the same thing. It didn't turn out so well for Eve either.

     So what does God want me to know? He wants me to know that he is God. That statement implies that I am not God, of course. Of course. But often, like my children donning a superhero costume, I try to pretend I am God. I wrap myself in the cloak of control and try to orchestrate the events surrounding my life in a manner that pleases me.

     Let be and be still.

     Let go and let God be God. 

     One breath at a time.


     God of all, protect me from the tendency to want to know more than I am intended to know. Help me trust that you are in control and all you ask me to do is know you more. I long to find more time in my day to be still and listen to you. Thank you for revealing truth to me in intimate ways. Amen.

The S Word

     Do not murder.

     Do not steal.

     Do not lie.

     Do not covet.

     Do not worry.

     It might not be one of the commandments, but it is still commanded.

     If I choose to lie, I have sinned. If I choose to worry, I have sinned. Worry separates me from God. In fact, when I worry, I believe I know more about what is best for me than God does. My ideal outcomes for situations become little idols, stealing attention away from the one who holds my future in his hands.

     I know God would not ask me to do something that is impossible. When he says not to worry, he assures me it does not have to be a way of life. I can hold on to the truth that facing the future with peace is possible. It probably will not be easy, but it can happen.

     Peace is possible. I am choosing to run from sin straight to the arms of of a very capable and loving God.


     Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NIV) 

     Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:27 NIV)


     Lord of peace, I confess that I do not always trust you with my future as I should. Thank you for covering my sin of worrying with the blood of your son Jesus.  Help me to embrace the truth that you know what is best for me and will always be with me. Amen.

Listen for the Whispers

     Mornings at my house are rarely quiet. A lot of energy is expressed in creative ways over breakfast and necessary tasks for getting ready.  After clearing the table one morning, I sat on the couch to take a deep breath. My daughter, still in her pajamas with the feet attached, crawled up in my lap.

     "Listen for the ticker," she insisted.

     The "ticker" is a two sided clock that juts out from the living room wall. My daughter takes great delight in telling the rest of us to stop so she can hear the ticker. When all is quiet, the ticks are easy to hear. If we listen closely, we can distinguish a separate click for each clock. Most of the day, they are drowned out by the commotion.

     We sat, patiently listening together. One tick. Then, two.

     In that moment, God whispered, "This is the same way you should be listening for my voice. Your focus is often on the noises that are the loudest and not on me."

     Elijah tried to hear the Lord long ago too. The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”  Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:11-12 NIV)

     I have to make time in my day to purposefully be still and listen for the whispers of God. He has so much to say to me if I would only find a quiet place. 

     I smiled as my daughter slid off my lap and ran to catch up with her brothers. It amazes me every time God speaks truth through the energetic blessing he has given me.


     Prince of Peace, help me to be still, and know that you are God. You desire to speak truth into me throughout my day.  I want to take time away from the noise of the world to listen to you. Thank you for reminding me in such a simple way.  Amen.

PEACE Be With You

     Jesus gets right to the point. I like that about him. The first thing he says to his disciples after raising from the dead is "peace be with you." These guys were fearfully huddled in a locked room. But they could not lock Jesus out. They could not lock peace out. Jesus walked through their fear and offered peace freely. 

     Here is my point. They accepted his peace. 

     They believed, surrendered their fears, and trusted him with the future. Jesus' words today are still "peace be with you." The same peace offered a handful of ragamuffin men is offered to me today.

     Today, I choose to accept that gift of peace. I will continue to walk in it tomorrow. When I am tempted to lock the door of my heart in fear, I will remember his comforting words.


     "Peace be with you."


     On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:19-22 NIV)

     Lord of peace, help me swing wide open the door of my fearful heart. Your gentle gift in the midst of any trial overwhelms my soul. I thank you that you triumphed over fear in the resurrection. I desire to walk in that truth daily. Amen.

Stepping Stones of TRUST

     One sunny day last week I took a walk in the woods, but the path I was on was not less traveled. The grass had been warn away and collecting mud told of the rainstorm the night before. My eyes were at my feet, trying not to take a good portion of the grime home with me. How could I avoid the yuck?

     I soon discovered I no longer heard the birds or appreciated the flowers and kiss of the wind. I could not feel the sun on my face nor see the budding trees all around me because my focus was directed just in front of me. I was distracted.

     I do this all the time in life. A problem comes my way and immediately my focus shifts down to my narrow path and in to how it is affecting me. I know this is not what God desires of me.

     After my walk, he showed me five "Stepping Stones of TRUST" that I can use to journey safely across the mud, the trials of this life.

T    Turn to God for Help First
       He is an ever present help in trouble.  Psalms 46:1

R    Refuse to Believe the Lies of the Enemy
       Resist him, standing firm in your faith. 1 Peter 5:9

U    Understand the Difference Between My Agenda and God's
       My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. Isaiah 55:8

S     Seek Out the TRUTH in Scripture
       The truth will set you free. John 8:32
  
T    Thank God for Opportunities of Dependence
       In all things give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18


     Now, when I am tempted to worry about the problems right in front of me, I remember to TRUST.  I ask God to help me and give me wisdom. I recognize that I am tempted to worry, but it is a lie that worry changes any circumstances beyond creating uneasiness inside me. I look at the outcome I desire and realize it may not be God's will. I immerse myself in the truth of scripture, comforted by God's promises. Finally, I thank God that He is in control and I am not.

     Amazingly, the mud turns to dust and blows away with the wind. My footing is firm. Standing on the promises of God is the safest place to be.


     Lord, thank you for showing me the way of TRUST. I want to walk on your path all the days of my life. Help me keep my gaze on you instead of at my feet. Amen.

Sacrifice: His and Mine

He humbled himself; I lift myself up.

He purchased my freedom; I choose to remain a captive.

He invites me closer; I claim I do not have time.

He desires to bless; I focus on what is not going as I planned.

He says do not fear; I doubt the possibility of peace.

He loves unconditionally; I put conditions on my affection.

He gave everything for me; I give a small piece to him.


Lord, your sacrifice was immense.
Walk with me in this life of trial and error.

In each situation I find myself in:

Give me your eyes
Guard my tongue
Use my hands
Direct my steps
Help me let go
so your will can be done

Amen.



Follow "The Practice of Sacrifice" at A Holy Experience

Problems or Opportunities

"Every problem can teach you something, transforming you little by little into the masterpiece I created you to be."  from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

     Heads or tails? Without always realizing it, I am daily flipping coins. A problem presents itself to me and I see it in one of two ways: a problem to avoid or an opportunity to embrace.  Heads or tails?  I long to embrace problems as opportunities to see the face of God at work in a situation.

     I admit, most of the time the head, Christ, is face down on the floor.  Immersing myself in his promises is a wise way to weight the coin. Counting the blessings all around me helps my focus as well.

    Do I really want to be able to solve all my problems in my limited strength and creativity?  A world where I do not need to rely on Christ sounds worse to me than the storm clouds that threaten in the distance.

     I choose heads.  I choose opportunities for my Savior to amaze me with his solutions to my problems. I choose to keep searching daily for more ways to weight the coin in His favor.

    

     All things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. (Romans 8:28b AMP)

     I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] (John 16:33 AMP)


     God of infinite creativity, thank you for solving my problems in unexpected ways.  Thank you for redirecting my focus to your face.  Help me not to fear the storms in the distance, but to embrace problems as opportunities to see you at work in my life and the lives of others. Amen.