{"id":3282,"date":"2016-01-24T09:00:44","date_gmt":"2016-01-24T15:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3282"},"modified":"2016-01-17T22:34:02","modified_gmt":"2016-01-18T04:34:02","slug":"choose-to-be-still","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/barbdahlgren.com\/?p=3282","title":{"rendered":"Choose to Be Still"},"content":{"rendered":"

Another Year of Choices <\/em><\/p>\n

By Barbara Dahlgren<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Psalm<\/a>As Christians we have a tendency of wanting to do something to be Christians.\u00a0 Unfortunately this leads some to think they must perform a ritualistic list of do\u2019s and don\u2019ts to earn salvation.\u00a0 But we cannot earn salvation.\u00a0 It is a free gift from God.\u00a0 Therefore we don\u2019t do things to be Christians, but as Christians there are things we do. \u00a0One such thing is learning to be still.\u00a0 God tells us, \u201cBe still and know I am God.\u201d\u00a0 (Psalm 46:10)<\/p>\n

We are in such a hurry, always going here and there, always doing this and that.\u00a0 But constant activity does not equal productivity or progress.\u00a0 A hamster can constantly run on a wheel but he\u2019s not really getting anywhere, is he?\u00a0 Let\u2019s face it\u2026 some of us are never \u201cstill\u201d long enough to give God a chance to work in our lives.<\/p>\n

Plus many of us are intimidated by silence.\u00a0 We must have music in the background or the TV on at all times.\u00a0 Remember that God\u2019s voice came to Elijah in a whisper.\u00a0 (1 Kings 19:9-13)\u00a0 A whisper cannot be heard amidst noise.\u00a0 Some say that God never talks to them.\u00a0 Well, with all the noise around us how would we hear Him?<\/p>\n

So silence and being still go against every instinct we have.\u00a0 But in our hearts we know that white noise and busyness cannot solve our problems.\u00a0 Only God can solve our problems.\u00a0 And in order to connect with God we must stop and be silent so we can focus on Him.\u00a0 In this focused silence, when we are still, we come to know God.\u00a0 We acknowledge He is worthy of our undivided attention.\u00a0 We let Him lavish His gifts of peace, comfort, hope, contentment, and love upon us \u2013 all the things our busyness can\u2019t provide.\u00a0 Here in the stillness we meditate on Jesus and ask Him to be manifested in our lives.<\/p>\n

Psalm 46 speaks of God being our refuge and strength \u2013 our present help in time of trouble.\u00a0 God takes care of and defends His people.\u00a0 So when verse 10 says, \u201cBe still and know that I am God\u201d in a way it is also telling us to stop struggling and surrender ourselves to God who is our refuge and strength.\u00a0 God has it all under control.\u00a0 So we need to let-go of our worries and let-God do His thing!<\/p>\n

\"Stand<\/a><\/p>\n

That\u2019s basically what Moses told the children of Israel to do.\u00a0 \u201cFear not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.\u201d (Exodus 14:13)\u00a0 How can we see the salvation of the Lord if we never take the time to be still and look for it?<\/p>\n

Once when Jesus wanted to get away from the crowds, he and the disciples took a little boat trip.\u00a0 He was exhausted and fell asleep.\u00a0 A huge storm arose.\u00a0 The waves were tossing the boat around and filling it with water.\u00a0 The men were afraid and panicky.\u00a0 Yet Jesus slept.\u00a0 In frustration the men woke Jesus and said, \u201cDon\u2019t you care that we are perishing?\u201d\u00a0 Jesus rebuked the wind and sea saying, \u201cPeace. Be still!\u201d\u00a0 And the wind ceased and there was great calm.\u00a0 Jesus said, \u201cWhy are you so afraid?\u201d (Mark 4:39)<\/p>\n

Consider this\u2026 Why are we so afraid?\u00a0 Do we not know the same Jesus who calmed that storm can take care of us?\u00a0 If He can take care of the wind and sea, he can take care of you and me.<\/p>\n

Be still and know God!<\/p>\n

Suggestions for practicing this choice…<\/strong><\/p>\n