1 Samuel 12:16 "Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!"
There is something about bonfires that can be mesmerizing. We've had our share of sitting in front of fires in our backyard. and it doesn't matter what's going on around us, while sitting in front of the fire, I can just sit for hours and feel I'm not wasting my time. It's calming and relaxing and fun just sitting with friends and family. As a woman my mind is constantly on-the-go thinking about our kids, my To Do List, ideas for writing and so on. I can easily start planning dinner before lunch is even finished or run through my many lists at any moment or time. I've often wondered how men can sit around so easily and have nothing pressing or thoughts on their mind. Then for one brief second, I got to experience a moment while in front of a fire. I was just enjoying the heat, flames and quiet when my husband asked, “what are you thinking?”
For a moment I was honestly able to answer, “I'm not thinking anything.” Then just as quickly my mind was off and running.
When I think of that time I'm reminded of the verse, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
God knew we'd have busy lives and we'd be pulled in many directions and busy thoughts. Because of that it can be hard to hear the voice of God speaking to us with all the other things happening. When we are still enough our thoughts can drift away and we can clearly hear God speaking to us. Also, in that stillness we want to let go of all our lists, chores, prepping, and so forth, even just for a few moments, then we can clearly see how God is working in our lives, how He is by our side, and at times we can even feel His presence.
However, that can be hard to do with our lives so full. Yes, for me a bonfire is a good, relaxing way to slow down my life, but my mind sometimes still won't shut off. Maybe for some it's sitting on the shoreline on the beach or walking through the woods or watching the sunset. Maybe your moments come sitting on your porch or driving. However, it can be achieved, it's important you find a place you can slow your life down and be still.
What does this verse really mean? Let's break it down.
Be still….
Stop talking - Even though we all like to be heard and voicing our opinions can be fun, to be still means zipping your lips and letting God speak.
Switch off your phone - Oh, life’s newest form of distractions. Social media beckoning your attention. Games waiting to be played. If the phone rings or it's a text message it could be important. No. Life can and will go on without you even if it's only for ten minutes. Once you pick up the phone, you can easily lose hours of quality time with Jesus as He tries to speak with you.
Stop commenting - You don't always have to be right or have the last word. If you're not commenting, you're not distracted with what you will say next, in response. Sometimes it's best to just smile and wave.
Listen - This can be hard too because we all have learned to multitask. Half listen, work on things, and think how you'll respond. However, God wants our full attention not just half of it. Being still means to really listen. Hear God's voice, allow the Holy Spirit to lead (I call that the little voice in my head that keeps me company when I'm alone in my thoughts). When you're listening, you can respond appropriately at the right time.
Stop arguing, stop questioning, stop moaning - If you believe with your whole heart that God is in control and taking care of you, why would you want to argue, question, or moan? To be still means letting go of your selfish thoughts, the ‘but I want it my way' mentality and letting God be in the lead.
And know….
Stop doubting and be sure - We are a bunch of second guessers, aren't we? How easy it is to doubt our choices as the right one once we've made it, in fear of rejection or problems that “might” happen. To know means, to have confidence God will see every decision through because we made it with Him in the lead.
Have faith - You have faith you'll wake up each day. You have faith that when you step into the shower the water will be warm. You have faith that the electricity will work in your house, and that your car will start each day. With that same faith you can know God is real, and He is with you and wants to take care of you.
No second opinion - When you truly believe in God and His leading there can be no room for second opinions. If God knows from the beginning to the end, then know when you let Him lead, the end will lead to salvation. Our opinions can just muddle things because they can be full of our own desires over God's will. To truly be still, you need to fully rely on God, and He has promised when you follow and obey our desires are filled, because our desires will be in line with His.
That I am God….
God is Almighty God is in control
God is love God is King
God is my hope, rock, and fortress
God is ever-present, a help in time of trouble
God is my Father
God is my shepherd- He will lead me, nourish me, protect me, and restore me
When we look closer at this short verse it can breakdown into so much more and we can find what God really was saying when He said, “Be still”. Today, I hope you find some moments to really be still and slow your thoughts down enough that you can clearly hear God's voice and fully believe He is in your life, taking care of you and the things around you.
Instead of our normal Bible study time I want to encourage everyone to find that spot you can truly be still in, open your Bible and find verses to match all the descriptions of who God is and think of ways He has shown it to you in your life.
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