Be still, and know that I am God!
Psalm 46:10
We blast TV or radio on the morning run. Video game sounds have become normal background noise in our daily lives. Many of us are “connected” all day long in our jobs. Our computers, TVs, iPods, cell phones are all constantly providing the white noise of our lives. Moment after moment, day after day, we are surrounded by a cacophony of sound.
Be still, and know that I am God!
Silence! What, in the name of heaven, is silence except a long forgotten memory? Yet perhaps the psalmist knows a secret.
Be still, and know that I am God!
As we strive to be open to God, as we strive to wait upon God, perhaps we need to be silent and still. People who are busy, (and who isn’t?) often say, “but I have no time to be quiet and still.” I promise, if you want to find an oasis of peace and quiet you will find it. Perhaps, we could turn off the radio in the car and drive in silence. Perhaps, we could turn off the TV while exercising. Go for your jog or walk without the headphones. Ask God to speak, take the time to listen and you may just be surprised.
Be still, and know that I am God!
His name is Paul. Paul took the call to wait on God seriously. His shower time became his prayer time. As he wrestled with the soap and washcloth he was wrestling with God and what God wanted for his life. After Paul went from a capital campaign pledge of $12,000 to nearly $30,000, his wife threatened to cut off the hot water. Paul listened and God spoke.
Be still, and know that I am God!
Questions to consider
What is it that may prevent me from listening to God?
What specific time could I devote to listening to God?
What do I want from God?
Am I willing to listen and obey?
Prayer
Gracious God, forgive me for my failure to take time to listen and be still. Forgive me for filling my life with everything but You. Teach me, speak to me, help me to listen and give me the faith to obey. In Christ’s name, Amen.
–From The Journey Begins: Devotional Guide, Scott McKenzie, PhD.
This devotion comes from a series of 21 daily devotions from the devotional guide for our capital campaign. (An earlier message, sent on October 20, 2015, included a message from Fr. John about using the guide as a prayer tool.)