Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 NIV
Read Psalm 46:8-11
Undoubtedly, the world has lost its ability to be still. I read in the paper last week that fifty percent of the drivers in Brockton can't be bothered to take a few seconds to be safe by using seat belts–despite how folks drive and the increasing number of accidents daily. In an article perhaps a month ago, the average attention span has declined to 8 seconds. Distractions are constantly bombarding us. News "stories" have become quick-fire biased snippets and are electronic devices buzz, beep, and ring, notifying us of things that "urgently" demand our attention. There is precious little stillness to be found.
It's not that God isn't present amid the noise and chaos—He is. But how can we hear Him?
Two weeks ago, I met a friend at a new juice place. Because of our busy schedules, we don't see each other often, but we thoroughly enjoy the precious hour we spend in each other's company, sharing how God is working in our lives and how we can pray for each other. We decided to try a new juice place to meet. The place was pleasant, and the smoothie was fabulous, but as we began to share, the business was filled with sounds from the blenders, making you think someone had started a couple of leaf blowers. We took our smoothies and headed to the relatively quiet parking lot.
Now imagine trying to converse with God while the TV hums with the constant dribble of TV reports and our phones alerting us to the endless stream of calls, texts, and emails.
In the stillness, we can hear what God has to say. There are no distractions interrupting today's most important conversation, what God has to share with you.
In the quietness, you can hear what God has to say, and the pause also gives you the freedom to observe your surroundings. Looking around, you can observe all of God's creation, beginning with an awareness of yourself and how "fearfully and wonderfully" (Ps. 139:14) the One you are talking with has made you. We witness all of God's goodness.
Whether we are still or not, God will be exalted. But he invites us to be quiet, to cease striving, to be still, and to behold God's omnipotence. In the silence, God's tranquil voice, the Holy Spirit, leads and directs us in our humble service to Him.
Heavenly Father,
In the stillness of Your presence, we come before You,
Acknowledging Your might and majesty as revealed in Psalm 46.
You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
As we reflect on the works of Your hands,
The desolations You have made in the earth,
We see Your power that makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.
You break the bow, shatter the spear, and burn the shields with fire.
Help us to be still and know that You are God.
May we exalt You among the nations, exalt You in the earth.
For You, Lord of hosts, are with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress.
In the tumult of our times, may Your peace reign in our hearts.
As the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Let us not fear, for You are the God who is exalted.
Your kingdom is unshakeable, Your presence our eternal comfort.
In Your holy name, we pray,
Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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