Be Still

‘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.

Psalm 46: 10–11 NIV®

I don’t know how you are feeling this morning; many are feeling frazzled, anxious, fearful
because so much is happening on a personal level to so many people:
in families, friends, in our neighbourhoods, in our country, and in countries around the world.
Here, the furlough scheme comes to an end for many;
this might well mean that a significant number of people will face redundancy and all its hardships.
Someone was sharing her story recently of what it feels like to be made redundant; it was very painful to hear.
In our world we are experiencing disease, rage, civil unrest,
millions of dispossessed people due to wars, natural disasters, human trafficking,
persecution of Christians, as well as other minority religious groups;
and the tragic results of the damage we have caused due to abuse of the earth.
How did our world end up in this mess?
How can we manage our lives so that we do not fall to pieces?
As Christians, we call on our belief in God: his promises, and our faith and hope in him.
So within the last few days I have been resting on ‘Be Still,’ and finding it a great comfort.

‘Be still and know that I am God.’ God speaks to us within our mind and heart,
a place to which we can turn from the confusion and perplexity of the world about us,
so that we can find the peace that we need, to face life’s worrisome and challenging experiences.
Let God’s peace pervade your consciousness, your whole being.
Let his peace be with you every moment, enfolding, uplifting, and strengthening you.
Throughout today, in your home, at work, on the street, wherever you go,
whatever you have to do, be still and turn within to God;
instantly you will feel God with you, a real and living presence through His Holy Spirit –
cultivate a centre of calm within, despite what you are facing;
this will help you to survive and be able to think clearly.

‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Turn to God now, relax and feel Him lifting your mind and heart,
soothing your nerves, giving peace in your body.
Free up yourself from the phone, the social media, TV and radio –
so that you have a time for silent meditation, away from the noise of the world.
Select a time suitable to you.
Bear in mind that time first thing in the morning helps you to set up your day positively.
Thank God for this time and feel his divine presence near you, around you and within you.
We read in the Bible that Jesus spent time praying to the Father, and he prayed a great deal in the early morning.
Through the Holy Spirit we have a constant guide, protector and friend.
If you are living or working under tension, return again and again to this place of stillness at the centre of your being.
When your mind is troubled, call your thoughts to order with the quiet command, ‘Be still and know.’
Relax in God’s peace and security.

At first, this may seem difficult, and you may find that your attention wanders,
but as you persist in bringing, it gently back, repeating the words, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ over and over,
all frightening images of defeat and frustration will be dissolved,
and you will know what Jesus meant when he said, ‘I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.’ (John 14: 18)
When you turn to the holy presence of God within you, you are at once relieved of all human tenseness.
All pressure, worry and anxiety leave you, as you live in God and God lives in you.
In the silence, God will strengthen your faith and fill you with courage and love.

‘Be still and know that I am God.’ In the deep spiritual quietness of your soul,
where you realise that ‘I and the Father are one.’ (John 10: 30),
you will find the strength and wisdom needed to meet any situation that may arise.
No matter what the turmoil and confusion about you,
in this infinite stillness at the centre of your being, you will find peace.
Take your thoughts off the problem, and place it in God’s presence
as you ask for his divine wisdom and guidance.
Rest in God and allow him to help you in your thoughts and thinking,
because with him nothing is impossible.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34: 4 NIV®

Let us pray:

Father God, please help us to realise the importance of spending time with you,
to listen to you, to be obedient to you, as we grow in faith.
Please give us your strength and wisdom to meet any situation which may arise in our lives.

Father, we pray for all who are suffering in body, mind and spirit.
Help us never to be too busy to pray for others,
because prayers, intercessions can bring about powerful changes.
Let us consciously pray for our families, friends, communities,
leaders in our country and in countries around the world,
that all will act responsibly and look each to the good of the other;
the coronavirus is showing us that whatever affects one affects all.

Amen

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you are kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. Disciples so often get in trouble; still, God is there every time.

Psalm 34: 17–19 The Message Study Bible

Fear not. God will always make a way where there seems to be no way.
Remember, not in your time, in his time and he is always on time –
so rest in him.

May God bless and keep you in His care today.

Glynne Gordon-Carter