MEGAN EVANS, WOMEN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR, LHBC
Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
How many times in a day do you stop what you are doing and just think about God? I’m not just talking about praying for something, or someone. I’m describing moments simply devoted to the awe of God’s greatness, character, and His creation. Let’s be honest here, we live in a world that doesn’t like to stop, and you may find it challenging like I do to even slow down. This “60 second challenge” can help us.
Our fast paced world constantly seeks ways to do more in less time, but an appetite for efficiency can leave our empty spaces of time vulnerable. Glance around you at the next red light and watch the many drivers check their phones. Even a two minute red light has become for many, a reflexive open slot of time to send a quick text or check a social media account. Our brains need empty space for thinking and rest, and our soul needs to breathe and hear the Holy Spirit. Psalm 46:10 is our call for this breath.
One day all the world will acknowledge that He is God, but until that day, let us not forget. With demands, pains, worries, even fears, swirling all around us, the directive to let go of all of that and just be still for a moment to focus on the greatness of God allows His peace to wash over us. How I need to be reminded of Psalm 46:10 as God seems to say, “Stop what you are doing and listen my sweet child, focus on Me, not on these demands around you. Let your shoulders fall and relax. I’ve got this.” In fact the Hebrew word for “still” used in this verse actually means to relax and even go limp. But that is easier said than done in a busy world, which is why I nominate you (as my teenagers would say) to do the “60 second challenge.”
Challenge: Go outside if you can, but at least go to a window. For sixty seconds, just be still and look all around at God’s creation in nature. What do you see, hear, feel, or even smell? Take note of the intricate veins of a leaf or the many detailed parts of a flower, watch a tiny insect or listen to the variety of notes in a bird’s song. Did you even notice them before you became still? I am so often amazed at what my busy-self tunes out. When we marvel at His creation, we are reminded that God is at work all around us, which includes our life as well. We are reminded that He lovingly cares for details. What would our day look like if we paused throughout the business and put our focus back on Jesus? Be still, relax, and marvel at God’s greatness. Experience God’s peace today.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, I am in awe of Your creation. Let your peace wash over me as I marvel at your greatness. Remind me to use empty spaces in my day to just stop, breathe, and think about you, God. You are the One True God, and You are worthy to be praised! In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.