Still                

by Cathy Madavan

Read

Psalm 46

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress (vs10-11).

Reflect

Stillness is not my natural state of being. I’m a bit of a fidget and I like being busy and thrive on getting stuff done. Even when sat in front of the TV, I end up multi-tasking on crafts or emails. I don’t exactly find it easy to be still.

But I miss out on God’s best for me when I don’t pause and lean on him. If God really is my fortress and he is fighting my battles, then I don’t need to be the superhero all the time. Maybe I should rest more in his strength as opposed to trying to win all the victories myself. If only I could be more still and know that he is God.

Can you relate at all?

Living in a fortress

How does describing God as a fortress or a military stronghold encourage us to be still anyway? Does that not imply we are living in a war-zone – which is hardly restful?! But maybe that’s the point of the imagery. Fortifications were often built around settlements, sometimes even around whole towns. Within the safety of their huge walls, life carried on in relative calm while the strength of the fortress and the power of the king was your protection, even against hostile forces.

Living in stillness

Every one of us needs to know peace and stillness surrounding us in the busyness and battles of life. Our children also need to know that they are safe when the friendship issues or the exam pressures make them feel that war is being waged all around them. Within the confines of God’s strength and protection, they are safe and secure in him.

As parents whose natural instincts are to keep the schedules spinning, making sure everything is as OK as possible, as often as possible, perhaps we could benefit from learning to be still and know that God is God and we are not. He is stronger than we are and he loves our children even more than we do.

Respond

Take a moment to simply be still, wherever you are. Focus your thoughts on your Heavenly Father and his love and strength.

Consider areas where you are fighting battles – for yourself or on behalf of your family. What would it mean to dwell within the fortress walls of God’s protection and to know his peace in the midst of it? How can you trust him to fight for you?