Be Still and Know

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 KJV)


  The psalmist gave us two exhortations that I find most difficult to follow.  One is recorded in Psalm 27:14 where it says, "Wait patiently for the Lord."  The other exhortation is found in Psalm 46:10a, "Be still and know that I am God."  


   Which of these two commands do you find harder to obey?  I know you're probably thinking, aren't they the same?  Not for me.  Here's why!  I am not normally a patient person, but waiting is easier for me than being still.  To be perfectly still means to "cease striving, be silent, and let go of your concerns."  When awakening in the morning, my mind is already racing with plans, ideas, and problems to be solved.

   I am much better at waiting on the Lord because I can do a lot of things while waiting.  I can plan, think through problems, set up schedules and meetings, talk to clients, or mow the lawn.  But to be still -- that seems next to impossible.

   How are you at being still?  Do you find it harder than waiting?  Fill your mind with all the great things you know about God, and watch the world fade away.