Welcome to a wonderful Christmas week! I forget what week of the Challenge it is, but we are in the second part of our Psalms run. This week, we look at Psalms 41-72. Be ready for next week, when we look at Psalms 73-89.
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)–Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
I do love this verse, even thought it presents a huge challenge for me. Those first two words, “Be still.” YIKES! How many of us struggle with that one on a day to day basis? It’s so easy to dash in, read our Scripture for the day, throw our praises and requests and confessions his way, then dash out again. Sometimes I sort of picture God stuttering in an effort to get a word in edgewise, then staring at us with His mouth hanging open in disbelief as we dash away. I know that is simplistic and untrue, but if you stop to think about it, He wouldn’t be wrong to do that. To be perfectly honest, I believe it makes him sad. He wants a relationship from us, not a drive-through order.
And folks, I speak without any judgment here, because I am the worst for gunning the engine and squealing tires as I race off. I really dislike myself for doing that.
We miss something huge when we fail to be still. Look at the rest of that sentence. “Be still, and know that I am God.” The only way to know God is to be still. The only way to really get in tune with his awesomeness is to be still. We miss out on more than we can ever dream or imagine when we fill the air with noise and run away with our hair on fire.
I don’t want to miss out on the awesomeness of my God, who allows us to come and be still any time, any place, anywhere. Right now would be an awesome time to start, wouldn’t it? Shouldn’t we give God the “gift” of our silence? Especially considering the gift He gave us?
So, folks, what touches you out of Psalms 41-72? Please share in the comments below. Or blog it and leave us a link. I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Be ready for Psalms Part 3 next week!
-JB
Jen says
No hidden significance this week, just something that warms my heart with it’s truth!
Psalm 62:1-2
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall never be shaken.
And I LOVE your verse too… God speaks those words to my heart more than any others (probably because it’s so very difficult for me to remember!).
Jodie says
YES! I love the psalms. So many of them tell us exactly how God wants to relate to us and who he wants to be to us.
Teresa says
I needed this reminder today. I’ve been filled will anxiety, and I’m not sure why. I start one direction and then change my mind. So many things to do! I think my soul demands I be still and spend time with the Holy Spirit.
Jodie says
I’ll be praying for you, hon. And I know how it is. Seems like the faster we run, the more that anxiety kicks in. Sitting still with Him might give you that deep breath you need so badly. I think it’s our spirit’s way of saying it needs some of His Spirit. Hope you’re doing well!
Dawn Lucowitz says
This week I’d like to share a few thoughts about Psalm 51:10 – Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
This verse really struck me as I was looking back through psalms today. My sister had her first baby yesterday, and looking into a newborn baby’s eyes really effects a person. What an amazing gift to see and fall in love with that kid on the first day of her life.
Anyway, to me, I have never seen anything more pure in my life. That perfect, innocent, untainted, little girl is what I now picture when I see that word pure. The idea of God making my heart like that blows my brain up!
Last week I wrote about wanting God to make the things of my heart more pleasing to Him. Well, now I want more. I don’t just want it to be pleasing, but I want it as pure as that little baby I held in my arms for the first time yesterday. I want a renewed spirit within me and to approach God with that childlike innocence, enthusiasm and love that he deserves.
Jen says
Wow… this totally made me cry! Both your description of newborn innocence and the fact that God can make our hearts just like that (blows my brain up, too!). I love reading your thoughts every week, but this one really hit home. Congrats on your new niece! 🙂
Jodie says
Beautiful, Dawn. I really don’t think there is anything to add to that. You blow me away. Think purity like that is why God says we have to come to him as “children”? There is nothing like a newborn, and she is absolutely gorgeous…