BE STILL AND KNOW.  By Donna Hottinger.

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.”

As I have been working through some health issues, I’m finding it beneficial to rest when I’m tired and enjoy the stillness of knowing God.  However, I get a little anxious about things and they begin to overwhelm me.

I let some of my housework go and I’m slowly trying to catch up on most of it.  Do you have places in your home that are the catch-all areas, such as rooms or drawers?  I definitely do.  It’s hard to be still when anxiety piles up along with all the stuff.  I received help from my friend to clean out my office, and it looks marvelous now.  My desk was unorganized, bookcases became overcrowded and cluttered, and my futon was buried beneath wrapping paper and extra blankets.  My back porch was dirty and overgrown, not comfort worthy.  I love my friend dearly.  She is part of my support system that I couldn’t do without.

My goal was to make it possible to take my bible studies out to the porch to enjoy.  I hear the birds singing and the hummingbirds buzzing around their feeder.  Sometimes, I’m serenaded by the frogs living in my pots and the insects looking for their next meal.  (I hope it’s not me!)  The beauty of the stillness is so soothing.  Lord God, help me to stay quiet so I can hear your still small voice.

The other place I have clutter is in my mind.  At night, I sometimes have trouble going to sleep because my mind is a whirl.  My mind just won’t stop.  I’m problem solving, singing a song over and over, praying, thinking about an incident, or making up scenarios both good and bad.  It’s a struggle.  I pray for the peace of God to sooth me and quiet my thoughts.  “Be still and know that I am God.”

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

God is there with me during the good times and the bad times.  Life can be difficult but with God, he provides a way to get through it with him.

As I’m slowly getting my home in order and calming my mind, I’ve learned to exalt Him in everything.  I’m also reminded that I am not perfect and there is sin in my life.  God’s love surrounds me and is willing and able to forgive me if I just ask.  I pray this verse from Psalm 139:

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Dear God, help me to be still to hear your voice.  You have plans for me, and I want to hear them.  I love you, Lord and exalt You to the highest heavens.

Amen.