Be still

Let be and be still, and know (recognise and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our Refuge (our High Tower and Stronghold). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Psalm 46:10 AMP

Yesterday I had two purposeful moments of being still and taking time to better recognise and understand God.

The first was a time of beautiful worship with a few other school mums. Our minds weighed heavy with some circumstances beyond our control, but together we came and declared our belief and love for a God that we know is good. There were tears and an overwhelming sense of His love. There was a determination to trust completely in the wonderful name of Jesus. 

Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises in a skillful psalm and with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits upon His holy throne. The princes and nobles of the peoples are gathered together, a [united] people for the God of Abraham, for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted. Psalm 47:6-9 AMP 

The second time was at a funeral, remembering and honouring a life that is now being lived in eternity. A time of listening to story about a life that had challenges on earth, but who knew Jesus and knew that he was loved. A time of pausing and thinking on that.

As is Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness (rightness and justice) ... For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide [even] until death.

Psalm 48:10, 14 AMP 

I encourage you today, to seek out those times to be still. They may not be organised occasions like mine yesterday. It may be a few minutes sitting in the car just waiting for someone. It may be a quite coffee time, stealing a few minutes peace. Choose in those times to be still and focus your thoughts on Jesus. Let's finish with a prayer,

Heavenly Father, thank you for opportunities in our busyness to stop, be still and know that you are God. Please help us to fully stop and experience more of You in those precious moments. Thank you that it is Your love that sustains us every day. Thank you for your peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for grace that is more than sufficient. Thank you for your mercies that are new every morning. Thank you that you are with us, helping us to be strong and courageous each day. Thank you that you are faithful, trustworthy and you are a good good Father. Thank you for your gift of eternal life. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.