Know this for your own good

Used by Permission:  Cindee Snider Re

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

Am I the only one who has a "being still" problem?  What does "being still" really mean?  And how are we supposed to be still when there is so much that has to be done?

I think it means to not move from the position of knowing where the refuge of God is.  Was David in a still place when he wrote this psalm?  Where do you find your refuge?

God's refuge is still and constant.  God's refuge is a place where we can find peace and quiet, our safe or happy place.  But is it an actual location you can find on a GPS?

Being still means that we rest in God's calmness, His plans, His safety nets, trusting that He has cares about us, and that He is working for us even when we can't see it.

When the dust settles from...

...the most recent diagnosis
...the crumpled terminated work papers
...the divorce papers have been served and you have cried every last tear
...the empty seat at the dinner table
...the lonely nights
...the unresolved problems that leave you feeling powerless
...the rising rebellion in your home
...the feeling that you are at the end of your rope and you need a way out
...the circumstances that life wear you out and down

Is it hard for you to be still in Someone or something you can't see?  It's next to impossible to not want to take action, to do something to fix our situations.  Waiting and resting is incredibly tedious and leaves us feeling really unproductive.

But nothing can fix or repair like the peace that comes from His stillness.  God's shelter is wherever God is.  There's your refuge.  He is always present with us and is standing ready to help in times of trouble.  There is power in being still and present before our Holy God, in His Presence.

The circumstances of our lives may change, our nation or world may be in an uproar, but our position within the safety of God's love and protection remains a constant...for he delights in us, cares for us, and is always ready to help us.

My encouragement to you is to be still, and know that His Refuge awaits to help you, shelter you, and bring His calmness to a place of stillness before Him.  Know that God is aware of your situation and that he cares.  Faith isn't based on feelings, it's based on complete trust in His character.

God's got your back when the world turns it's back against you.   God hasn't moved from His Refuge.

His stillness waits.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus, then peace comes.

Choose His stillness over your chaos, know this....it's for your own good.

So Confused!

Today are you seeking God on what you should do? Do you have your daily questionnaire filled out for God to review? Have you ever come to God with a whole list of questions?

Do you think God is confusing?

If you are struggling with knowing what do to...in life, in the next hour, in the next year or the next step of your life's plan..then know that if you ask God to make it clear that is exactly what he will do. He will cause clarity.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace." 1 Corinthians 14:53. (ASV) 

I love this verse. God doesn't want to cause disorder in your life. In fact, He goes to great lengths to show us the ways He wants us to go. So where does the confusion and mix-ups come from?

I love how direct God is as well. He makes things perfectly clear in His time. How many times have you prayed for a burning bush? How you ever questioned God on a "why" in your life? I know I have.

When I earnestly seek God with an open agenda, instead of treating him like He is my personal vending machine, then clarity comes. He gives me a moment of understanding that is definitely Spirit led. And when it's time for me to know, He won't hold back. There are times when it's not my business to know what God is up to.  But there are other times when it's clear without a shadow of a doubt. And as you know doubt easily blows in wind. It's in the moment of understanding God's Word that clarity comes.

God doesn't write confusion on our hearts. 

He will give you the understanding you need.

I found myself in a familiar place with my prayers, so I decided to mix it up a little. I needed to stop talking so ....much. I have been practicing the discipline of listening. For someone who talks for a living, that's a challenge. It came to me when I was praying for God to answer my prayers. Of course I want to follow God...but I found myself wanting fill in my blank pages instead of His. I knew it was time for a change.

Don't get me wrong, I am still presenting my requests before God and have seen Him to work in marvelous ways in my own family and in the lives of others. But there is a new level of communication I am entering with Him.  Here's what I found...

In my stillness....

.....in my waiting......

.....in my resting...

.....in my increased trust..

....I have found less worry, less weary days...more joy and more clarity from God.

There is no confusion where God is involved. His clear direction leaves little room for doubt. And when the desert storm hits, I am protected under His mighty refuge of trust. I am praying for God's agenda to be mine, I am praying for His plans and open doors of growth. When I make my prayers God-centered prayers, there is wisdom. When I don't look so much at my own empty pages. I soon forget about my confusion and unanswered questions.

He knows what he is doing...and I know I can trust his decision-making skills. 

If God is leading you to do something and you don't know how in the world it's going to happen...well...then...He is pleased that you are seeking Him to find out His best. If you are confused, He is waiting for you to allow His solution. His best is always worth waiting for. In your wait, seek and listen to His directions, knowledge and wisdom. He wants to give us clarity, He doesn't want to stir our hearts with uncertainty. The last thing he wants is our thoughts to crisscross with His. Believe me...His plans are for our benefit.

Who doesn't want that?