BE STILL
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10, ESV
Theme: God invites us to slow down, be still, and intentionally make space to hear His voice.
AN INVITATION TO REST
You are cordially invited to be still and see God for who He is. This may sound fabulous to you. It may sound boring. Some of that depends on what you imagine when you hear, “Be still.” I imagine our hammock in the woods during the autumn leaf season, surrounded by our overpopulation of deer on a cool morning before anyone has started to use their yard equipment. Or maybe I picture laying on a blanket, facing up at the dark night sky with views of planets, the Milky Way, and maybe even shooting stars.
Looking at the night sky never fails to remind me of my insignificance in comparison to the God of the universe. On my worst days, God’s beautiful invitation to rest might feel confining, like a crib for a restless toddler. Overtired and fussy, I bang on the edges of the crib, ignoring the soft, freshly laundered sheets, pleasant music, and dim lighting. I remember singing to my own toddlers, tucking them in, rubbing their backs, and talking to them while they fell asleep.
HEAR HIS VOICE
I have three kids. You know what isn’t effective when I want to talk to them? Yelling from the other room. I sometimes do this when I’m in the middle of something and want them to come. No one hears well from behind a door. If someone is knocking and we want to hear his or her voice, the reasonable thing to do is open the door. However, to open the door you must stop what you are doing, refocus your attention, walk to the door, and then open it.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20, ESV). And if you find God knocking at your door, making intentional time to commune with Him is the only way. I don’t want to hear His voice muffled from outside. He doesn’t yell. In fact, maybe He doesn’t even say anything if I leave the door closed.
God invites us to be in His presence. He invites us to rest, enjoy beauty, to eat with Him, and hear His voice clearly! He is God. If we really understand this, why would we hesitate to take Him up on the invitation?
Make It Personal: What helps you remember that God is God? If you need an idea, read the suggested Scripture below from the time God speaks in Job 38. Consider this for a moment and then, while you are in that train of thought, “Be still.” You can do this now by taking ten slow deep breaths with your eyes closed. Or put a timer on for ten minutes and close your eyes. What might you hear from God while being still for a few minutes?
Pray: Father God, Thank You for requiring us to be still. I don’t know if I would even think it was okay to rest if You weren’t intentional about commanding that we take a Sabbath. You gently remind me that what You require is for us to slow down enough to remember Your holiness, goodness, faithfulness, and power. The perspective You provide gives me comfort and peace. Speak to me, God. I will sit still and listen. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Job 38:4-41
Weekly Memory Verse: “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23, ESV