Be Still and Know

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted amonth the nations. I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 (NIV) As a young child I found Psalm 46:10 strange: how could being still help me know anything? What did my level of activity have to do with what I knew? I wasn't too fond of being still. Years passed and I didn't give it much thought. Then the night before my first college test, as I prayed--very nervous about my college performance--this verse came to mind and I understood for the first time. God is God everywhere and in all circumstances. He is my God when life is comfortable and familiar and He is my God when life is hard and scary. I just need to be still and pay attention to Him and His presence. This verse has had a special meaning to me ever since that night when He used it to speak to my heart. Be Still Lord, we can hear You best when we're quiet and still, And it's when we hear You speak that we know what's real: That You're God of the universe and God of me, Universal, yet personal--a divine mystery. The exalted Lord before whom all will bow Is best known in quiet and stillness somehow. How like God--He could wield power and might, But He speaks in whispers; leads us gently into His light. Prayer: Quiet my soul, dear Lord. Open my spirit to hear Your whisper. Slow me down and make me aware of Your presence. May every fiber of my soul affirm that You are God! "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) Let's face it: we're not always at peace with ourselves and the world. If we're honest, most of us will admit that it's hard not to worry about all the turmoil in our world, in our country, even in ourselves. Honestly, I struggle more with my personal worries than with global concerns. Those I can turn over to God, but I hold my family concerns too close. When my family is in trouble, I worry. I know God will take care of them, but will He do it the way I want Him to? God wants me to give up control, let Him act, and trust Him completely. Then He can give me not just peace, but perfect peace. Perfect Peace In His perfect peace is where I want to be-- I in Him and He in me. What is this--His perfect peace? It's freedom from fear; it's ease and release. Not absence of troubles--they're still near, But the firm confidence that Christ is here. Living in His peace my fear is replaced: Instead of fear I choose love and grace. Who receives peace--this gift so vast? Those with eyes fixed on Him, whose minds are steadfast. May my faith be firm, unchanging and true-- Constant and certain as I trust in You. Can Christ's perfect peace be a reality for me? According to His Word it's a guarantee When my mind is steadfast with my trust in Him. Then He imparts peace--So be it and Amen! Prayer: Teach me, O God, to have a steadfast mind, a mind fixed on You. Keep my mind on Your love and grace and mercy and not on my circumstances. When trouble comes my way, draw my eyes and heart to You. Amen. "This is the day the Lord has make; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 In the '90's we sang this praise chorus so much that I tired of it. The words were more like an old song than Scripture to me. Then on the first anniversary of 9/11, they took on new meaning for me. We were having prayer around the flagpole first thing that morning. It was such a heavy occasion and I wondered how our principal would lead our elementary school in prayer. She opened her prayer with this verse. It had such an impact on me and made me love--and really hear--this verse again. Every day is lovingly created by God. We should be grateful for each new day, not dragging in baggage from previous days. Rejoice in the Day Triune God, Maker of all my days, Help me greet You each morning with prayer and with praise. Remind me that each day is a gift from You; Help me to rejoice and to be grateful, too. Open my eyes to the beauty around, To the love in my life, to blessings that abound. And even if troubles wait to dampen my day Show me Your glory, and remind me to say, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Prayer: Lord, don't let me forget that You made this day and that it is a gift.