4/24/13- Being Still and Knowing

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.  Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.  The Lord Almighty is with us;  the God of Jacob is our fortress.Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth.He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth.He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Thoughts: In our very busy and rushed world, we need to be still.  The word "be still" is the same basic word as "Sabbath."  In a world that is a bit uncertain- with bombs going off at the Boston Marathon, it is important to know not only is God our refuge and strength, but also that  we can be still.  It is not in our control anyway.  Being still means letting go of control, and exalting God more than yourself.  

Prayer: Lord, calm my heart. Help me to be still and listen to you.  

(A still lake at sunset reminds us of our need for God's peace and to stop a while and rest)