Be Sill and Know

Be Still and Know

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"1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields with fire. 10 He says, 'Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'" Psalm 46:1, 9-10, NIV.

Often, we use this verse as a meditation. Posturing ourselves before God in quiet, ponderous silence. But what if the original meaning was, “Yes, there are battles raging all around you. Remember the battle before you can only be won by and through Me! So be still—slacken your attempt to fight. You will not win—watch me be God."

The battles we face are both large and small. We often think we need to “be still” and watch God battle only our mountains, but the truth is, our small battles are still battles. God needs to be part of these situations, too. Think of it as an air drop missile that needs to find the direct target and hand-to-hand combat.

This morning my battle wasn’t large, but it was real. Pancakes or oatmeal. You might be thinking, “Seriously, I opened up 'Moments' for a cereal debate?"

It’s not about the grain, but the will. I wanted pancakes even though they leave me with a lethargic heaviness. I like them. I like the syrup and butter—the whole life-sapping meal appeals to me. I am acutely aware of the fact that I am going to feel full and heavy at the end of my meal, but my taste buds are screaming, “Pancakes!”

My mind, spirit, and common sense are gently saying, “Not the meal for this day. You have a lot to do, so eat wisely.”

Now it’s a battle between my will and desires: seemingly reasonable versus what’s right and good for my body this day. I knew my right thing, yet I reached for the pancake mix and snipped open the bag. I even got an egg out, readying myself to push through the still, small voice of God saying, “Not today.”

And I stopped.

Do I really want to disobey God over oatmeal?

As my bowl of steel oats sits in front of me empty, I praise God that He is looking out for me, even in these small battles.

He is for me, not against me.

How are your plans going today? Have you surrendered your way to God’s way? Are you letting Jesus keep you on the path of righteousness for His name’s sake?

Father,

You are constantly teaching, correcting, and guiding me. Thank You.

Thank You that I can trust You in the little and large battles that loom all around me. Help me to continue to surrender my will to Yours and let You fight the battles for me.

Thank You for the reminder that You will never leave me nor forsake me. That You are for me, even at the breakfast table.

Help me to listen better and respond more quickly to Your prompting.

You are God the Father, and You really do know better than I do. Thank You for helping me realize that again today.

I love You.

Amen.