Be Still and Know

Sometimes the most difficult thing we can ever do is be still.  Psalm 46:10 reads "Be still and know that I am God."  It's a great concept; it's a great life verse.  But why?  Why "be still?"  Psalm 46 lists a few of God's attributes:

• "God is our refuge and strength" (v. 1)
• "A very preset help in trouble" (v. 1)
• He remained in the midst of His city and protected it (v. 5)
• "He uttered His voice, the earth melted" (v. 6)
• "The Lord of hosts" (i.e., the God of angel armies) "is with us" (v. 7)
• "The God of Jacob is our refuge" (v.7, 11)
•  He "made desolations in the earth" (v. 8)
• He will be exalted (v. 10)

This is why we can "be still and know" that He is God.

I need to remember these things, i.e., who God is and what He can do.  I need to remember because for me, this is a season of being still.  I am recovering from a brain injury that occurred in early March of this year.  I still am unable to work in a conventional setting, only being able to see the occasional client, and I have a significant sensitivity to sound.  Even general conversation can be overstimulating, causing nausea, fatigue, headaches, etc.  

Please don't misunderstand.  I am grateful for many things.  For the second time in my life, I was able to walk away from a vehicle that rolled.  I am grateful that most higher function remained in tact.  I am grateful to have virtually no pain.  These are gifts, the very definition of grace.  I also am thankful for the many improvements that have come, especially in the past 4-6 weeks.  I attribute most of this to prayers received.  (Thank You, Jesus, for being my Healer.)  Yes, I am grateful for healing, even though it is occurring at a much slower pace than I would like.  I am grateful.

Being a scientist and specializing in nutrition, I look for things I can do to improve my health.  I realize that these efforts are not without merit.  However, the greatest leap in healing came recently after eight days away, staying with my aunt's dog.  The Lord told me I would return home completely different, and, as always, He was right.  During my time there, I found I was able to handle noises of the city without needing earplugs, something I had not been able to do for nearly 6 months.  The Lord led me on occasion to stop reading His Word and just watch a funny movie or show with Him.  At the end of my time away, I was able to drive home without earplugs, and I was even able to listen to music for a portion of the journey, fun old music like the Beach Boys and CCR.  And the evening I arrived home I was able to attend a party at my sister's and spend time with my nieces and nephew, all without earplugs.  A clear, convincing moment that rest and being still are perhaps the best medicine of all.

I live a life where intimacy with the Lord and stillness before Him are top priorities.  I love the simplicity of this and reap the blessings of the Lord's continual Presence.  I absolutely hunger and thirst for these times, a way of life of highly recommend.  Still, this time of recovery has been a challenge due to the need for complete rest - no reading, writing, phone, movies, walks, talks, etc. - absolutely no stimulation.  While this has been frustrating at times, I know its importance for healing.  Yes, the Lord shows me continually that being still is best, that when I wait for Him, He truly renews my strength.  He has shown it to me over and over again, just has He did with the recent trip away.  And I am blessed He is so patient with me as I try to stop trying so hard.  He continues to reinforce "being" as opposed to "doing," resting as opposed to striving, enjoying life as opposed to going through the motions.  I pray He reveals the same to you.  And I pray that He gives you the grace to rest and truly be still and know that He is God.

As Paul signed off in most of his letters, grace be with you...and peace, too.