Being still in a fast-paced world
| by Henry T. Blackaby | Return to Articles |
God has a significant encouragement in His Word:
"Be still - and know - that I AM God! ... the Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" (Psalm 46:10,11).
Our minds are active and at times racing; our lives often are lived at a frantic pace; our families are at times overly active; and, in our marriages, too we often cannot find enough time even for each other. The pace at work can increase to weariness, and even our church calendars are too full of activities in which we are expected to participate. Even the television news is too fast-paced, so we can't take it in
God knows our tendencies to always be "doing something"! We hear people urging us, "Don't just stand there!" God, however, wants to say to us: "Don't just do something, stand there! Concentrate! Meditate! Think! Pursue and consider carefully! Lie down 'in green pastures' that I provide for you (Psalm 23), and rest a while. Take time -- in quietness!"
The prophet Isaiah knew the power and strength in being still when he said to God's people, "... for thus saith the LORD GOD, the Holy One of Israel: 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength...." (Isaiah 30:15).
The army calls this "R&R" (rest and relaxation) and mandates it for an overall better performance. It gives strength back, and refreshes for further battles. Are you building some spiritual R&R into your life? Into your schedule for your personal life? Into your family? Into your workplace? Into your church? Stillness! Quietness! And rest!
Do you take time for "thinking through" situations in your life? Or do you continue to rush from one situation to another, hoping things will just all work themselves out? Do you meditate with God on His goodness, His faithfulness, His mercy and His grace in your life? When you do, great encouragement and great energizing will come to your life. Do you take this kind of intentional caring toward your family, your co-workers and even your fellow church members?
God still calls us to do just that. Be still -- and know God!
