STILLNESS

BE STILL, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! – Psalm 46:10

A time of Reflection is a Season of STILLNESS: “BE STILL, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psa.46:10). It is amazing how much rushing around is associated with the end of year and Christmas season. Individuals, families, and Churches end up being so preoccupied with activities and events that they almost forget to take time to reflect on the things that really matter in life. One of Satan’s snares is to get us so busy and involved in activity that we have no time to be still in the Presence of God. Sometimes God must force us to be still in order to get to KNOW Him as we ought, to spend worthwhile time with Him and listen to His “still small voice”: “And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (1Kgs.19:12). Think of how clumsy it seems when someone is trying to talk to you while the TV is booming with sounds. How can you hear when there is so much noise going on? How can you expect to hear what God is saying to you if there is so much ‘noisy’ business in your life?

Often times when we rush through life and lose rhythm, we tend to become weak, and would need to renew our strength. How do we do that? By waiting upon the Lord: “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isa.40:31). So, a season of Stillness is also a Time of Waiting! This is the Secret of Renewed Strength. It is time to proactively recharge your spiritual batteries for the dynamic feats and exploits the Lord has ordained for you in the coming year. Strength is tapped is the Place of Stillness and Quietness: “For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in QUIETNESS and confidence shall be your STRENGTH” (Isa.30:15)! It is normal for us to grow weary physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. At such times, we need to have our spiritual strength renewed, for the spiritual is the crux of all other dimensions of life. That strength comes when we quietly wait on the Lord in studying His Word and praying.

Think about this: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge”! This is such vital news that the Psalmist wrote it twice (vv.7,11). The Lord of hosts, the Commander of the Armies of Heaven is with us. God Almighty is our Strength. The mighty Jehovah of all the ranks of angels is our Refuge. One angel in one night could smite all the hosts of Sennacherib, king of Assyria (2Kg.19:35). All of God’s angels surround His throne, ready to do His bid and obey the voice of His Word; to minister to those who are the heirs of salvation (Psa.103:20; Heb.1:14). The Bible does not merely say that these hosts are with us, but that the LORD of hosts is with us! How amazing is this contemplation: that, with ten thousand times ten thousand angels to occupy His Mind, the Lord of hosts could still be with us!

GOD IS WITH YOU in that desperate domestic challenge; in the deep financial need; and in your seemingly acute state of loneliness. HE IS WITH YOU in your weakness, to exchange it with His Strength. HE IS WITH YOU despite your faults and failings, working all things out for your good and for His Purpose (Rom.8:28). All He demands is that you take time to BE STILL and you’ll come to KNOW HIM as GOD in and over all of life’s circumstances. Embrace His Seasons of Stillness and Times of Quietness. Take time to practise His Presence. Take time to LISTEN and HEAR His Voice. BE STILL!