In the Stillness

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

During this time of isolation, we have had to learn a lot of things. Whoever knew that for all our lives we have been washing our hands wrong. How many of you were counting twenty seconds while you scrubbed your hands with soap? Or were you doing like some have suggested and saying the Lord’s prayer while you washed up? Maybe there is a favourite song you sing, either aloud or in your mind.

These last few weeks our leaders have been telling us to be still, to stay at home, and we are all glad to do so in order to prevent the spreading of COVID-19. We listen to the reports every day, and we have found a different way to get our groceries and other necessities. We have found a way to communicate with our families and friends by phone and online.

We also are learning some lessons from the Lord. In the past, have we depended on the church services on Sunday, and Bible Study during the week, in order to stay close to the Lord? Could it be that the Lord has planned this time in order to draw His people into a new relationship with Him? There are so many things He wants to teach us if we will take time to listen to Him.

The writer of this Psalm admonishes us to be still and listen to God. There are so many needs in our world, and of course, we need to spend time praying about them. But there is something special when we put everything out of our minds, and just sit quietly before the Lord and let Him talk to us. His still small voice speaks peace. His love fills our hearts, and His Spirit ministers to us as we rest in Him. It takes practice as our minds want to wander and we need to keep asking Him to control our thoughts. But when we persevere, we feel so refreshed and filled with new hope and trust. Scriptures that we sometimes do not even realize we have memorized become real in our hearts. He gives us the direction we need for the day and shows us how we can be a blessing to others.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there is so much I need to learn from you. Help me to take the time to sit in your presence and listen to your voice, so that I can know your will for each day.

Devotion by Anne Johnston