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The Devotional Diva - Be Still and Know
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The Devotional Diva - Be Still and Know
By Barbara Gobbs
Executive Assistant and Ministry Partner - Pocket Full of Change Ministries
“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 (KJV)
Every time I hear the phrase, “Life is too busy,” I look for an echo in the room. Those four little words are the constant companion for many. They torment us day-in and day-out, week-in and week-out, month-in, well you get the picture.
I am no exception. My weeks blend together like runny eggs. The same can be said about my mind. The minute I complete one task, I remember six others yet to do. That doesn’t even take into consideration all the “stuff” I must ponder and contemplate. My mind is a playground for madness most of the time.
Last Friday started differently. I woke to cool breezy weather and a renewed sense of energy. My works hours were completed and ministry items were checked off, leaving me to feel unencumbered, free to pursue my errands in a leisurely fashion.
Of course, I did have plans Friday night that required some preparation, but I had all the time in the world. Now that might lead to you think I had one of those stress and worry free days.
Wrong.
Somehow, when I wasn’t concerned over the physical issues, like actually getting my body to cooperate with my mind, it freed my mind to mull over the mental issues that accrued during the week. My brain quickly discovered several concerns that touched almost every aspect of my life. I should have stayed in bed.
Well I had chores to complete whether my mind was in it or not, so out the door I zoomed. Sitting at the stop light gave me ample time to start talking aloud to the Father. There was a plethora of problems I needed to pour out to Him. I needed advice, opinions, answers and direction. God decided I needed something else more.
“Be still.”
“But God, I really…..” “Be still.”
“Now? I wanna talk!” “ Be still.”
“How long before I can….” “Be still.”
“Be still and what?” (He thought I’d never ask!)
“Know that I am God.”
“Oh.”
By all counts, my day started easy and breezy. It was a day to relax and enjoy some well-made plans. There was more than sufficient time to accomplish a few tasks. My body was very agreeable to that concept. However, I discovered the less you have to do, the more time you have to think! My mind was suddenly open to all the cares and concerns that had accumulated throughout the week.
Why? I don’t know. Perhaps I refused to think about them in proper fashion during the week. Perhaps I had not properly carried them to Christ beforehand. Perhaps they just all hit at one time. Then again, just maybe, this time wasn’t the right time to bring them up.
I am a firm believer in prayer. I believe there is nothing too small or too large for God to handle. I believe in the prayer power of petition and the prayer power of praise. However, I am learning or re-learning the prayer power of being still and knowing.
The way I see it, Psalm 46:10 carries a command. God tells us to be still. How do you rest your mind? Be still. How do you sort through a thousand random thoughts from what do I cook for supper and how will I ever afford gas again? Be still.
What do I do when I am clueless about what to do? Be still.
Be still and do what? Know God.
You don’t have to worry if you’ve praised Him enough this week. Don’t fret if you’ve forgotten to pray for your neighbor’s job. Forget the issues of health and happiness. Lay aside the desires of your heart and the worries of your head, at least for now; there will be time enough for those later. Just be still and know God.
This mature southern belle felt like a real ding-a-ling last Friday. But I came away in the stillness and the assurance that whatever happens in my day, I know God. It wasn’t me simply thinking about God, forming opinions or even spiritual lessons concerning God, but just knowing God. I know God and He knows me. The sufficiency of my Friday rested on my stillness and just knowing God.
If you don’t know God, you are going to have a hard time being truly still. However, the door is always open for you to come in and get to know Him. I can honestly speak for Christ, when I say – He desperately wants to know you. Jesus stands at the door and knocks (Rev. 3:20) so anyone who opens the door, can get to know Him.
Let me encourage all of you to take some time before the day is over to be still and know God. Let God be known by you, so God can be better known through you!
Knowing better now!
Barbara
Divinely Inspired Victoriously Active
Barbara Gobbs is a ministry partner with and the Executive Assistant of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information, to schedule a speaker for an event, or to request a newsletter, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden, Publicist at 904 316-5462. This ministry is supported by donations. If this ministry helps you or others, and God calls you to help support this work, you can make a donation to Pocket Full of Change Ministry at POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
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