Be Still
I know most of us have been asked the question, what's your favorite bible verse and why? We both probably relate to many verses of scripture in the Bible but in that moment, what do you gravitate towards? Hello there, I'm asking you… What's your favorite bible verse and why? I invite you to drop the verse and explanation in the comment section below if you are comfortable. For me it's Psalm 46:10.
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." A very simple verse yet profound when you take a deep dive into what this means. When I was younger my mom would always tell me to go upstairs in my room and be still. I would drag my little feet up the hardwood stairs, open my room door, and sit on the ground, back pressed against my bed and look out the window into the street with a blank stare. Bored out of my mind to say the least. In those moments, I thought that it was a punishment of some sort, but in reality it was a gift. A beautiful gift of not only silence but a moment to allow the Holy Spirit to move in my life in a supernatural way. Did I know that at the time? Absolutely not. Am I grateful for that practice now in my 20s, you better believe it. It's an invitation to invite Jesus into our lives and everyday space.
Being still before God means quieting your spirit to talk to him, listen to him, and spend time in his presence. Now you may not receive an answer in that exact moment but it's the practice and habitual action of taking that heart posture to set aside time to be with our Father. Many times, I have wanted to receive an answer for the next step or the next thing that needs to be done but trust me, over time he will reveal himself to you. That is also where frustration starts to creep in, we take the time but don't receive an answer or if we do , it's not an answer we want. My encouragement to you, keep seeking and knocking in order to know more of Jesus despite what you think He should do or say.
Over the last month this has been a theme in my life, in conversations, encounters, small groups, etc. I am always reminded to be still, slow down and talk to God. I have been trying to figure out the next season of my life and make sense of what God needs of me and what's to come. Well news flash, it's not for me or you to figure out. It's not our responsibility and we shouldn't give ourselves the additional burden of thinking about the future all the time or trying to figure out how God will work, when, where and why. Let’s be obedient in this season of life because we will never get this time back. Ask yourself, what is Jesus trying to show you or reveal to you in this season? What weed is he digging and how is he replacing it? How is he tending to your heart and soul?
I will tell you this, there is no designated time. But I can also tell you, when your soul is craving Jesus, you will make the time. I find myself in the early mornings or late evening just crying out to Jesus. Whether that's on a Friday evening, Sunday morning walk before church or even after a rough day at work. Like I said, there is no perfect time but when you come away your soul is refreshed. You no longer carry the burden in which you think you should bear but you surrender it. I will recommend this, find a quiet place. Throughout Jesus’ life here on Earth, there were many times where he retreated to a quiet place to be with his Father. If Jesus Christ had to retreat, you better believe we need to as well to spend time with God.
I am writing this as a reminder to myself as well, not just telling you what to do. It's so important that we learn to enjoy this current season of life despite a longing and craving for something new. God knows my heart and he knows yours too, meaning he knows our needs and wants. I leave you with this question to reflect on. How are you taking time to be still in the presence of Jesus? Have you let him in despite his persistent knocks? Try and set aside time to just be with him whether that's during your morning quiet time, evening drive, morning commute, early run, etc. He will answer.
“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
Psalms 34:4 “ I sought the Lord and he answered. He delivered me from all my fears”.
It is not by power not by might but by spirit - Zechariah 4:6