I often reflect on my time spent attending church as a young boy. Sitting on old wooden pews for hours was rather difficult for a young boy with “ants in his pants.” Mother would look over, and at that point, I knew I needed to be still, or a good whipping would be handed out when I got home after the service. I was very thankful when they finally raised enough money from bake sales to purchase cushions for the pews. I am not sure it curtailed my fidgeting, but I did figure out that sitting in another pew behind my mother kept me out of trouble.
My mother has always said I took after both her and dad, who had a hard time sitting still and always felt that things needed to be done sooner rather than later. Even so, for years, they took time in the morning and evening to read the Bible and pray. How many are doing the same, taking time to be still, reading the Bible, and praying?
Be still and know that He is God. What a statement by the Psalmist. Can we really hear the same voice today? Are we so busy with the cares of life that we take even a moment to be still, and not only know that He is God?
One only needs to glance at the news today and see one catastrophe after another, not only upon ourselves but upon other nations as well. Social unrest, political upheaval, wars, and the list continues to grow. Where is the call from the president, the pulpit for a time to be still and know that HE IS GOD? Are we not at war? We have men and women who are putting their lives on the line for our freedom. And we as a nation, Christians, the church have failed to be still, face down in prayer for our troops and the leaders over them. No, we have been busy with our daily lives, complaining about the effects the war is having on our pocketbook, and then we go to church on Sunday and “have church.” The Gulf War and 911 seem like distant memories to many. But at least there was a time of silence, being still, a call to prayer, all coming from the leaders of the nation and the Church.
If we fail to be still and know that He is God, then He will get us in a position as individuals and a nation that we will be broken, forcing us to be still as we consider “behold the works of the Lord, who has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow in pieces and snaps the spears in two; He burns the chariots with fire. Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am GOD. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:8-10 (Amplified)
Not everyone has a Hookers Creek, but everyone can find a place, a prayer closet, a balcony, a deck, a walk in the park, or around the neighborhood, without earbuds or any other distractions. Just being silent, beholding the works of the Lord…knowing that He is God and lifting praises and thanksgiving… that is what He desires.
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