Be Still

 

Be Still

by Kim Larsen

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be Still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Can you imagine a world in stillness? It is difficult to find isn’t it? An intensity as never before is taking possession of the world. In amusement, in the contest for power, in the very struggle for existence, there is a terrible force that engrossed body, mind and soul.

I am reminded of the great prophet Elijah when I read this. In I Kings chapter 18 and 19 we read the story of the Man of God standing on Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal in a contest to see who’s God will answer from on high with fire. We see a strong, confident Elijah. He has no fear, he is confident to the point of being almost boastful. He knows that God is in control and He knows what God is about to do. You know the story, the prophets of Baal cry and cut themselves with no avail, and then Elijah prays and God sends fire from Heaven and burns up the offering and even all of the water that has been poured over the sacrifice . It’s an amazing triumph! But then…. the queen Jezebel sends a message that she’s coming after him and he runs away as fast as his feet will carry him. He didn’t stop running until he was a day’s journey into the wilderness. He was afraid of this woman! An angel of the Lord comes to him and feeds him and he is led on a long walk to mount Horeb. He had 40 days and nights to think about what was happening to his life, and then when he reached a cave, the Lord told him to Go out , and stand on the mountain before the Lord. There was a great strong wind which tore parts of the mountain top away, then an earthquake, and then a fire. It wasn’t until Elijah heard the still small voice of God that he covered his head and moved forward toward the opening of the cave. God was not in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire. God doesn’t use these things from nature to speak to us . No, it’s the still small voice that he speaks quietly to our hearts. We must make time for God in the stillness of our own mind to hear his voice. We can’t do that when we’re always “plugged in”. It appears that most people are afraid to be alone with their thoughts. We need quiet time with God every day, and we need a day of complete rest every week. God made us, He knows how we are wired! Take time this week to remember your creator and be still and know Him.