"Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 (NRSV)

Being still - Not always the easiest thing to do. It can be very challenging to be still when everything within us is screaming, "Do something!" We become frustrated, anxious, nervous and sometimes angry because things are not happening as we had hoped. God is not moving on the schedule we have created for our lives so we take matters into our own hands.

We devise plans, rearrange events, jump in where we are not invited and do our best to remain busy in order to avoid the "still place." The still place is that place where we are made to come face to face with our inability to control life. We must face that God has the last say.

Our need for and expectation of immediate or at least rapid responses have been fed by the conveniences of today's society. Gone are the days when we have to wait for someone to come home before we can talk to them. Now we have cell phones. Gone are the days when we used to pull out the old black skillet, fill it with oil, heat the oil, pour in popcorn kernels and wait for them to pop. Now we have microwaveable popcorn! Expectant mothers don't have to wait to discover the gender of their unborn child. Blood tests and ultrasounds give the answer in advance.

But life says, "not so fast." There are still things for which we have to wait. After several job interviews, someone is still waiting for an offer. After years of hoping and praying for a spouse, someone is still waiting to share their life with a companion. Someone is still waiting for healing after years of therapy. After much prayer and support, someone is still waiting for their loved one to be delivered.

The instruction, "Be still and know that I am God," can be a challenge to obey. How can we overcome our angst, our frustration?

Remember that God is El Roi, "the God who sees me." Before the foundation of the world, God knew where you would be at this moment in your journey. He sees your stress and your strain. He knows your anxiety and your dilemma. He meets you in the place of your pain. He says, "Be still my child, I am exalted among the nations. I am exalted in the earth."

God is high above every situation and circumstance that seeks to rob you of joy, peace and fulfillment. God sees you and knows just what is necessary to complete you. God understands you more than anyone you will ever know. He knows you better than you know yourself. Seek His will for your life daily.

Ask the Lord to order your steps. Trust Him to supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Know that He can and will work all things together for your good.

Remember that El Roi sees you and loves you with an everlasting love.

Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com

Until next week,
In Faith, Hope and Perseverance,
Pastor Chris