Be Still and Know . . . .

Daily Praises: 

1. Thunder in the distance, reminds me of Your Rule over all.
2. Joy in difficulty–because of Your Presence in my life.
3. Prayer–Your invitation to intimacy with You . . .❤️

Your Word:

“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 heart of the sea. 
Though its waters roar and foam 
and the mountains quake with their surging.” 
Psalm 46:1-3

My response:

In these days of confusion and uncertainty, I was grateful to rediscover the assurances of Psalm 46: that we are not alone in trouble and that God’s omniscient Presence continues to provide shelter and strength to help us through each day. In fact, the Psalm reminds us that such things as earthquakes, loss, illness and political upheaval are nothing new to this earth.

Thankfully, the Psalm does not stop there– far from it! The image of a glorious river coursing across a lush landscape toward God’s dwelling place reminds us of our REAL HOME—even in the midst of trials:

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
He lifts His voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.” 
(Verses 4-7)

Even as the cacophony of the world surrounds us, the Voice of Almighty God will ultimately calm the quaking turbulence of evil when it is forever banished from the earth: 

“Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations He has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
He burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.” 
(Verses 8-11)

There is a time coming when the terrors of the world will be replaced with His Divine Peace–extending far beyond our human efforts toward world peace–because of His Presence. In fact, we are granted His Peace in the uncertainty of life as we cling to Him in faith.

To be still and know God intimately
 is to find, that otherwise elusive rest for our souls, in Christ Jesus.

So how can that stillness be made our own? 

• By confessing our foolishness in going our own way, rather than seeking Him in the first place.
• By giving thanks to Him that no matter how bad things appear, no matter what challenges we face, His intent is for our good (that we will be “mature and complete, not lacking anything”*) and for His Ultimate Glory.
• Finally, give thanks to Him for the open invitation prayer provides–to bow before His throne in humility with our every concern.

“Sing the praises of the Lord, you His faithful people;
praise His holy name.
For His anger lasts only a moment,
but His favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Psalm 30:4 &5

All to His Glory!

*James 1:4