By Audra Anders for Dunwoody United Methodist Church 2018
Psalm 46:10
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
I’ve never ever uttered the words “I’m bored,” at least not as an adult. I have no trouble staying busy. I started my own business while working another job in corporate America to fill the down time between projects. I work from home now, so when I need a break I do laundry, walk my dog or run errands.
There also are the zillion volunteer jobs that I love to do for Dunwoody High School and our football and baseball teams. I receive at least 100 emails every day and enjoy responding to people in the community and posting articles to my website. And, who can be bored with an iPhone that pings with texts and alerts all day long?
I also love to read books. I wish I had enough time to read a couple of books each week. Isn’t it amazing that I can listen to a book or a podcast on my headphones while doing something else? I can literally do two activities at the same time! There also is exercising and cooking and hanging out with my family and friends. Now with the Christmas season there’s shopping, decorating and more cooking and entertaining and parties… YIKES, I’m starting to feel stressed out. But WAIT! Didn’t God say something about BEING STILL? Yes, HE did. — Psalm 46:10.
One activity I failed to mention previously is Bible study. I love to study my favorite book…the living breathing Word of God. As I’ve gotten older and hopefully wiser, I’ve learned that God wants me to stop being so busy all the time. He wants me to BE STILL and listen to and exalt Him. I must work very purposefully at “being still.”
If we aren’t ever still and quiet, how can we hear God if he’s trying to tell us something? I think I hear God telling us to Be STILL during the Christmas season and reflect on the wonderful gift He gave us. He’s telling us to take some time to read the Christmas story and reflect on the miracle of Christ Jesus’ birth. Grab some hot chocolate and THE Good Book, go sit by the fire or under a cozy blanket and turn to the second chapter of Luke. You’ll thank me later. I promise.
Prayer
Help me cultivate a quiet heart. Help me find quietness and happiness in intimate communion with You and Your Word. You will be exalted over all the earth, and You’ve got the details of my day covered. I can rest in You. Amen.
Today’s Thought
Just do it! Be still and know God.
