Sit still!

Good morning. This is a devotional for single adults from Parenting Solo, but the message also applies to single adults without children who may one day marry a single parent and be a step-parent. Feel Free to forward it to a friend.

Scripture: Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.

This is one of the most famous Psalms, and for good reason. It is an important commandment when we are facing strife: Sit back and watch God work. We may see only trouble ahead, but in the end, God promises that He will be exalted, by all people, by all nations. We can't forget His promises during times of trouble.

Whenever we face struggles, this is a verse we should always turn to for comfort. When times are hard, sometimes the best thing we can do is “Be still” and trust in God. It isn't an option; it's a commandment, which means God expects us to just sit there and shut up if we want His best. God does his top work when all seems lost, and we don't know where to turn to. It is the world's way to try and solve our problems on our own; to many, that is the ultimate sign of strength. “I can take care of this” is the world's refrain but not God's. “I did it my way” worked great for Frank Sinatra, but not Christians.

Yet, that isn't what God expects of us. Sometimes, that “full steam ahead” routine is just stubborn pride. We want to prove to others that we are strong and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Whenever we act thusly, we cannot let God shine through. God is infinitely patient and willing for us to wait on him. It's that “Be still” part that seems to get us most often. In this fast-paced world, we don't know how to slow down. In this noisy world of ours, we don't know how to be quiet.

That is exactly what God wants us to do: slow down and listen to him. God is into the process, not the results. If we succeed in life but fail in our relationship with him, we are a failure. God repeatedly reminds us in the Bible to trust him with the outcome. So when you're looking for a job, or trying to keep your house out of foreclosure or trying to mend a vital relationship in your life, first take the time to check in with God. Spend a little quiet time with him, doing nothing more than listening. God seems to give great solutions to us when we sit calmly before him and wait for his word. Then we can get to work on our problems.

How does this apply to my life?

Today’s prayer: Lord, help me to sit quietly before you and listen for you still, quiet voice. Help me to wait on you. Amen.

Doug Mead
Parenting Solo

Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Vol. 4, No. 68

This week’s reading plan can be found at http:/www.oneyearbibleonline.com/june.asp?version=51