Be Still and Know
The noise and busyness of life drown out the realities of God in this life.
Shut it off — shut it down – just for a moment!
“Be still and know that I am God….” Psalm 46:10
* When God said “be still” He meant for us to stop whatever we’re doing and realize that it’s God that’s in control and not us, it’s God we hear in times of strife, it’s God who carrys us, gives us strength; you get the point. If we forget to “be still” and allow God to reassure us just by His presence we are lost. Give God that “be still” moment and watch the blessings flow.
* Loneliness is the result of not having a proper relationship with God.
*Sin separates us from God. Sin must be forgiven. When sin is forgiven, we are saved.(Cross)
*The presence of trouble does not mean the absence of God.
* Religion does not help anybody because it is people’s faltering, fumbling search through the darkness to find something beyond themselves, something greater than themselves that they can believe in. As we Know that Something- is a Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ.
Before worshiping God, the priests of ancient Israel practiced an “Inner Court Ritual” in order to purify themselves. We as believers can also purify our hearts by:
(1) Recognizing sin
(2) Repenting of sin
(3) Relinquishing sin to God
(4) Replacing sin with truth from God’s Word.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession…”1 Peter 2:9
We must not be afraid or ashamed to name our fears, insecurities and doubts. We need to call them what they are and acknowledge them before God (Who knows all about them anyway!).
* ” You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.”
Psalm 139:2-4
“Be still and know that I am God….” Psalm 46:10
There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting.
*It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value.
* It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season.
*It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities–simply inactivity.
During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something NEW in us.
* It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of Prayer and Faith.
*It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven believer.
Our nature cries out, “You must do something,” while God is saying, “Be still and know that I am God.”
You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can’t seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.
Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen.
But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie.
*They cannot say what God is doing. *They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.
Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.
The Lord is calling to you, urging you to draw near to Him into a place of spiritual vitality. It is His desire that you give no place for the lusts of the flesh, but that you completely yield to the moving of His Holy Spirit. In that spiritual reality, you will begin to live in the strength and protection of righteousness. Righteousness is a strong fortress against attacks from the forces of evil. Draw near.
* Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Psalms 135: 23 He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.
*Jesus wants to meet us in the midst of our sometimes lonely and often imperfect lives, when our disappointments, pains and failures try to confirm our self-doubts.
*Jesus is there waiting for us to come to Him. Be Still and Listen to His Holy Spirit inspirered Words through reading His Truths through Scripture.
*Jesus is there when we’re going through the motions, aware of what needs to be done, but unaware of how we’re going to do it.
*Jesus is there when we can’t stop criticizing ourselves for blowing it the day before; when we go to work and wonder why we’re even there.
Jesus sees our hearts and knows the pain of our loneliness, disappointment and rejection. Today He is pursuing us, inviting us to come to Him to receive the perfect love He offers.
1. Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
*Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, will you stop and talk to Him? And then, will you quiet your thoughts so you can listen to Him? Be STILL!
Reflect on what Jesus did for you on Calvary. Give thanks for the Lamb of God who bore your sin.
Lord, this day please help me to focus on You, to seek You and look All around me, to see Your power and teaching and guidance in all circumstances, to trust You in all things. Lord, thank You for pursuing me. I want to know and rely on the love You have for me, and live in the security of it! When I feel afraid, insignificant or alone today, help me turn to You and remember You are there! Help me to be Still and Listen. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.