Would You Please Be Still!

Do you have a spot like this?

Do have a place where you can escape the clamour of your life for a few moments and just BE.

When did the desire for solitude become a sin? Who decided that this generation must go at breakneck speed day and night to be considered worthwhile?

When did "busy" become a virtue?

And most importantly: When did God's people start to believe the lie?

Psalm 46 is a command from God: "Be still, and know that I am God..."

If we must be still to know that He is God, it stands to reason that we must forget that when we are too busy.

"But what I'm doing is important!" you argue. "I'm in full-time Christian work! I don't have time to sit still!"

"...my kids keep me on the go constantly..."

"...I don't have time to eat, much less sit still for any length of time..."

We have all kinds of rationalizations for why that verse does not apply to us, but no one is exempt. It's not a nice thought; it's a direct command from God.

The simple truth is, busyness and constant activity shove our awareness of the greatness of God to the background of our minds while we race from point to point on our mad missions.

I find the second half of the verse explains the first half, but we rarely read past the colon. God goes on to say, "I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Notice how God doesn't seem concerned about getting His job done? He can be exalted all over the earth whether you stop or not. In fact, He will be more greatly glorified when you stop every day, take a long breath, and just be STILL. Center your thoughts, realign your priorities, remember Who you're working for and how short the time is.

Are your frenzied activities having any eternal significance? Will what you're stressed about today matter in ten years?

God is glorified every moment of every day for all eternity. It's an ongoing celebration--and you're missing it!

Be still. Listen. Pray. Think. Offer thanks. And a little taste of that glory will fill your senses, flood your soul and give you strength to carry on, reminded that you're not really so vital after all. God doesn't need your frantic pace to accomplish his work here on earth, but He would like you to join Him in a quiet cup of tea every day and stay acquainted.

Be still. Know that He is God.