Chill Out!

“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

In our fast paced western society the concept of stillness is foreign to most of us. Society believes that busyness equals productivity and still people equals idleness or lack of motivation. However, in God’s kingdom the opposite is true.

The greatest benefit to myself is “be still” – waiting in God’s presence. The psalmist wrote that: “I (God) will be exalted among the nations – in the earth”. This stillness is not simply being idle. The Hebrew word (raphah) means: “to slacken”. In those moments of noisy frustrations, I let go of my urge to scream. Lifting my hands and eyes heavenward, a melody gushes to the top of my voice: “Great are you Lord and worthy of glory! Great is the Lord!” At that moment, I experience the joy and pleasure of His friendship. (Psalm 16: 11)

Stillness also involves ceasing from something. My anxiety and frustration fade away when I quit trying to initiate God’s plan for my future - a plan teaching this busy saint about His still small voice - that whisper, trying to grab my attention. God knows that I need stillness.

Stillness also involves silence. In my neighborhood with the children out of school for summer vacation - you got to be kidding me – silence, not in this neighborhood. During those screaming sessions, I dash to my back yard oasis and listen to the babbling fountain. Watching the robins, sparrows and bees refresh themselves in my fountain. The rhythmic motion of my canopy swing slowly refreshes my frustrated soul. In that moment, a still voice whispers, “Now, you understand how to be still.” Again, that inner melody gushes to top of my voice, “Great are you Lord and worthy of glory.” With a whispering voice, “Great is the Lord!”

This summer find a little oasis to dash to when the going gets tough. Refresh yourself in stillness and learn about that still small voice trying to grab your attention.

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