Be Still

In my morning prayer time today, one phrase pierced the silence in my head:  Be still.  In this busy holiday season of parties, gatherings, shopping and cooking, I believe the Lord has asked that we slow down.  Rather than trying to be all things to all people, be still. 

Jesus is the light and the Way.  Packages under a tree, 30,000 lights on your house and 6 kinds of spritz cookies is certainly not the light nor the way Jesus wants us to remember his birth. 

Be still and know that I am God is from Psalm 46:10.  Psalm 46 is a moving passage in itself, powerful in its reverance for the Lord.  And the first line of verse 10 are strong words of support and encouragement. In this week of celebrating the birth of Christ, where so many want us to take our eyes off of Him, He wants us to remain firm in our commitment.

Be still and know that I am God.

This is not so much an idea being thrown out or request being made as it is a command, much like you may say to a child acting out: Be still.  While our God is a loving God, he is also one to hold in high esteem.  ....and know that I am God is his command to not forget who the boss really is.  As much as we might like to think we have some control over our lives, this passage reminds us of who is in charge.

Be still and know that I am God.

Take time today and thank God for this command.  Study it, break it down word by word.  I once was led through a time of prayer by focusing on this scripture verse and dropping the last word as I continued to pray.  For example, first time through was Be still and know that I am God.   The second time through, followed by prayer and meditation was Be still and know that I am.  Continue meditating and praying until one phrase remains:  Be still.

Be still, today, so that you may see the light of the Lord in those around you.
Be still, today, so that you may feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Be still, today, so that you may know Jesus died for you.
Be still, today, knowing that He has made a place for you in Heaven.

Be still.