Prayer Week 27: Be Still

In our busy, fast paced world we have a hard time being in the moment. We are more intent on taking selfies or sharing what is going on than actually enjoying what is happening. We have lost the art of “being present.” This not only disrupts our relationships with others, but also with God. It is hard enough to be “with” someone sitting across from us, let alone someone whom we cannot see or feel.

 

Psalm 46:10 New American Standard Bible 1995

“Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Exodus 14:13-14 New American Standard Bible 1995

But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.”

Psalm 62:5-6 New American Standard Bible 1995

My soul, wait in silence for God only,
For my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 37:7 New American Standard Bible 1995

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

 

I think the progression of Psalm 46:10 is important. Before we can know or acknowledge God, we have to cease striving, be still. We cannot be aware of, let alone know, Him if we are too busy or agitated to notice. The word translated for “know” is the Hebrew yada which denotes an intimate knowledge. It is not superficial content we skim from the internet, but personal, experiential, and deep. We can’t have that when we are focused on everything else, if we aren’t making time to be alone with Him. Interestingly, the word for “be still” literally means to slacken. We need to loosen up, relax, sink down into the loving arms of our Creator and let Him take care of our worries.

 

If we do these things God will be praised by all who are around us. Why? Because when the world sees that we can go through distressing, even traumatic, circumstances with a peace and joy that passes understanding, which can only come from God, they will not help wanting to know where it comes from and how they can get it, too. However, it all begins with each of us individually being still and relaxing in our Savior’s presence, knowing Him intimately and trusting Him with our troubles.

 

This week in your prayer time, focus on being in the moment with God. Let the words of Psalm 46 envelope you. Feel the power of His presence, allowing it to fill you with peace, joy and confidence. Each morning write down what it means to you that He is God.

 Prayer points taken from Praying Through Adversity by Jennifer Kennedy Dean.