Be Still
For about two weeks (from New Year's Day to last Monday) I was in a spiritual fever of sorts. I was all worked up, worried, and wearied. Kind of weird to be both worked up (anxious) and weary (tired) at the same time. The worst of both worlds emotionally.
On Monday night, I was laying in bed sleepless going through some verses in my head like James "Count it all joy my brothers when you go through various trials" and "Lean not on your own understanding," Then God spoke, "Be still and know that I am God." I knew it was God speaking. This verse is not in my MP3 player of my mind. Stunned...the fever came to a halt and scampered away whimpering like a whupped and yelping (love this word...yelp) attack dog. He'll be back for sure.
Then, in my devotional the next day, the writer essayed on Psalm 46. Yesterday, when listening to R.C. Sproul's "City of God" series (I am cutting NPR out in the morning...too much negativity that I don't need), R.C. devoted on session to Psalms 46. By the mouth of two or three witnesses everything shall be established. Amen!
I want to do a quick reflection on the verse "Be still and know that I am God" word-by-word.
Be - We exist, God exists. We are beings because we "be."
Still - Ever since sinning in the Garden, humanity has been on the run from God. Eric Unmighty. By trying to be God, I have to run. There is a time to march but first I have to be still and get my thoughts in order and not just take off like a loon.
And - We live in a universe of cause and effect, of succession.
Know - God can be known, by His Word (written revelation) and by our experiences (through the Holy Spirit).
That - God is clear about who He is.
I Am - The eternally existent One.
God - We are not God, He is. That duty is much to big for me (Duh!). My "skills set" doesn't meet the job description.
Whenever Martin Luther heard of any discouraging news, he would say, "Come, let us sing the 46th Psalm (in German of course)." God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
On Monday night, I was laying in bed sleepless going through some verses in my head like James "Count it all joy my brothers when you go through various trials" and "Lean not on your own understanding," Then God spoke, "Be still and know that I am God." I knew it was God speaking. This verse is not in my MP3 player of my mind. Stunned...the fever came to a halt and scampered away whimpering like a whupped and yelping (love this word...yelp) attack dog. He'll be back for sure.
Then, in my devotional the next day, the writer essayed on Psalm 46. Yesterday, when listening to R.C. Sproul's "City of God" series (I am cutting NPR out in the morning...too much negativity that I don't need), R.C. devoted on session to Psalms 46. By the mouth of two or three witnesses everything shall be established. Amen!
I want to do a quick reflection on the verse "Be still and know that I am God" word-by-word.
Be - We exist, God exists. We are beings because we "be."
Still - Ever since sinning in the Garden, humanity has been on the run from God. Eric Unmighty. By trying to be God, I have to run. There is a time to march but first I have to be still and get my thoughts in order and not just take off like a loon.
And - We live in a universe of cause and effect, of succession.
Know - God can be known, by His Word (written revelation) and by our experiences (through the Holy Spirit).
That - God is clear about who He is.
I Am - The eternally existent One.
God - We are not God, He is. That duty is much to big for me (Duh!). My "skills set" doesn't meet the job description.
Whenever Martin Luther heard of any discouraging news, he would say, "Come, let us sing the 46th Psalm (in German of course)." God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
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