Be Still

This morning was a blessing for me and though it wasn’t sunny with big puffy white clouds (my favorite kind of day), I was blessed all the same. I went to a women’s fellowship breakfast at Mary Yoder’s with ladies from church. I haven’t been to one in a long while - - years in fact, so it was high time to do so. It seems that when you’re going through something difficult it is then when you recognize the true importance of Godly fellowship - - though one still has the choice to seek it or not. The ladies planning to attend were asked to be ready to share Bible verses that apply to a verse in Psalm 46.

“Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! “Psalm 46:10 AMP

When I read this verse I focused on the words “be still” as this is something the Lord had been impressing upon me, as well as a couple of my friends over the past two or three weeks. As I read and thought about what this scripture means, it occurred to me that it’s actually God’s “command” to each of us - - to “be still” and to “know that He IS God.” 

Yet to “be still” doesn’t always seem so easy when life is happening. This is especially true as a wife and mom for a near 30 years; there have always been a lot of things happening, some good, some bad. The notion of being still - knowing that God is who He says He is, and that He really is in control, has been one of the most difficult lessons for me to learn. It means far more than sitting down and taking a break, one could look at it as not getting stressed over the troubles and hardship that come our way by trying to take the helm ourselves but to wait and be still before the Lord.  As it is a command it truly is one of the most important things we can do as a believer. 

So what does the word “still” mean to you? According to this on-line dictionary http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/still there are 39 separate definitions of the word still. Of these, the first two seemed to fit the scripture best: 1. Remaining in place or at rest; motionless; stationary: to stand still. 2. Free from sound or noise, as a place or persons; silent: to keep still about a matter. 

Luke chapter 10, verses 38 through 40, tells of two sisters, Martha and Mary and their reactions to the Lord’s visit. Martha was the busy one; she was distracted with all the things that had to be done, preparations made, and dinner to be served. Frustrated with the lack of help, and feeling that Mary was treating her unfairly, she went to Jesus with her compliant. 

Jesus said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” NAS 

We need to learn how to have the stillness of Mary; that calm quiet spirit within. To be able to refueled we need to be like Mary to get through those days of Martha. Whether you’re a believer or not there’s always that part of you that needs to find rest and peace for the journey you’re on. It doesn’t take much time out of your day; for Mary, she gained while sitting with the Lord. Martha missed out on a wonderful and rare opportunity. And, not to take away from the fact that Martha thought what she was doing was important, after all Jesus was there for dinner. Martha’s busyness kept her away from the Lord, the very one she was busy for. 

Come, to the quiet 

You’ll find peace of mind. 

Inter my rest 

While there is still time; 

The world has much noise 

That’s harmful to thee. 

Inter my rest, 

Come, sit with Me. 

8/18/89 VB