Be still, and know that I AM GOD!
You have only to keep still!
What do you think about when you hear the words "be still"?
I think about how God wants me to change my ways -- to stop striving, to stop fighting, to stop worrying, to stop trying to control things when He has said, "cast your cares on Me".
Abba Father desires for us to surrender, rest, relax and find contentment in our relationship with Him. To trust Him and not be driven to have everything our way or on our schedule.
In a February 26, 2023 sermon, Pastor Jerry warned us that we may be "Not Far but Not Close Enough" in that we may know about God, yet we don't know Him personally.
Yes, we have many good intentions -- like reading so many passages per day, or getting through this devotional reading and then writing in our journals. One must be careful that our disciplined habits don't cause us to miss out on being still and actually being with God on a personal level.
Our goal is communion, the action is having a deep desire for the divine presence of God that shapes who we are and how we relate to Him and to others.
Take advantage of the refuge, the strength, the healing, the wholeness, the peace He offers. Yield to Him and don't be entangled in any form of bondage or self-imprisonment.
Our Lord is calling us to know a deeper love, to move beyond shallow superficial facades and exchange them for the real you in Christ who is fully known, perfectly loved, and totally accepted.
The great I AM that I AM desires for each of us to have an intimate passionate personal relationship with Him. We can better live out this mandate when we find or make space for quietness and stillness to commune with God.
Beloved, be still, wait patiently, keep still, know Him!
Reflect on a few Passages ...
Exodus 14:14 -- The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.
Psalm 27:1 -- The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:11a -- Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me...
Psalm 27:14 -- Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 37:3–5 -- Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act.
Psalm 37:7 -- Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices.
Psalm 46:1–2a -- GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear!!!
Psalm 46:10–11 -- “Be still, and know that I AM GOD! I AM exalted among the nations, I AM exalted in the earth.” The LORD of hosts is with us; the GOD of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Psalm 62:1–2 -- For GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.
Psalm 62:5–8 -- For GOD alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On GOD rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in GOD. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; GOD is a refuge for us. Selah
Psalm 71:14 -- I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.
Psalm 107:9 -- For He satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry He fills with good things.
Psalm 150:6 -- Let everything that breathes praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
(NRSV - New Revised Standard Version)
Selah Shalom
(pause, reflect, meditate on GOD's overall message of love, peace, well-being and benefit to you)
