Sunday, January 11, 2009

Peace Be Still and Know that I Am God

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


Stop what you're doing. Clear your mind. Breathe. Focus.


Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything. Psalm 46:10, The Message


Last night before I fell asleep God kept pressing one, single thought into my mind: Be still, Emily, and know that I Am God. "OK, God," I thought. "That's a verse in the Bible. Cool. So Scripture memory does work!" No, Emily, this is much more than you simply memorizing a verse. I Am speaking to you specifically right now, tonight, in this very moment. "Alright. So, I am being still. I am laying in bed. How much more still can I get?" You're not where I define "still." Being still before me is a heart action, it is not a bodily movement. I want you to still your heart before me.


God taught me perhaps a simple truth, but one that can make an enormous difference in my life as well as yours. Psalm 46:10 isn't about sitting quietly on the beach as the sun rises and listening for Jesus' voice. This precious verse is saying to be at peace in your being by knowing that Jesus is God and has everything in His hands. It gives the hope that the entire world around you may be caving in or you may be surrounded by chaos and be at complete peace and rest inside your heart. Through truly applying this verse it is possible to walk in absolute God-confidence. When you allow your heart to simply rejoice on the fact that Jesus is Lord, you are too full to worry, stress, over-think things, and be depressed. By letting your heart sit in the presence of God, your face can truly shine His love to others.


Today I decided to step out and try to live Psalm 46:10. What could I lose by trying? In the midst of helping in kidz ministry at my church I reminded my heart to be still before God. By choosing where I was focusing my heart, I was better able to love those kids. This afternoon as I prepared for my exams I allowed my heart to be still before God. I actually had fun studying and didn't stress out! Tonight my church gathered for a fun family night. I chose to place my heart at Jesus' feet and I had a blast running and playing with the many generations. What God revealed to me last night really works. I tried it all day today. And guess what?--I am going to do it again tomorrow and the next day and for the next year. I want my heart to sit still before Jesus and be satisfied in Him alone. Then whether my day is spent worshipping Him on the beach or preparing for six midterms I can be at peace worshipping my Lord and Savior.


Come to Me, you who are weak. Let My strength be yours tonight. Come and rest, let My love be your bed. Let My heart be yours tonight. Peace be still, Peace be still. Please be still and know that I am God, and know that I am God. Empty cup, let Me fill you up. I'll descend on you like a dove tonight. Lift your head, let your eyes fall into Mine. Let your fear subside tonight. Hallelujah, Hallelujah. Rush of Fools, Peace Be Still.

1 comment:

Rosanne said...

Thank you Emily, I needed to hear this!! As I teach my sisters today and prepare for kids' club tonight, I will keep this in mind. Isn't our Lord wonderful?!