Menu
As I sit in this coffee shop, I am surrounded by noise. The two ladies at the table beside me are catching up on the tea of the month while sipping on mugs of tea. At the counter, one barista is calling for Aaron to come pick up his coffee while another is taking an order. Meanwhile, a trendy TikTok song is playing over the sound system. Yet, I came here because I consider it a peaceful place to write. In a study conducted by Barna Group,* it was discovered that 40% of young adults experience anxiety and only one in three feels as though someone really cares about them. We are moving toward physical disconnect and instead gravitating toward the numbing noise of social media, entertainment, busyness, and chasing perfection. However, this shift brings internal chaos and isolation. This shift leads to anxious thoughts, conflicted hearts, and busy bodies. "Be still, and know that I am God..." Is this how it is supposed to be? Is there hope for more? Psalm 46:10 gives us an answer, He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” This may be one of the most cliché verses in Scripture with mugs, prayer journals, and hobby lobby signs plastering it up everywhere, however, it may be one of the least regarded commands. Be Still... the Hebrew word rāp̄â is what is translated into “be still” in this verse. In other places throughout the Old Testament, it is translated into words like weaken, alone, fail, and slack. These words do not often bring me comfort. “Be weakened and know that I am God” and “Be a failure and know that I am God” do not have a very comforting vibe to them. Yet, it is in our weakness that we can boast of God’s strength (2 Cor 11:30; 12:9). We must get alone, still our physical bodies, still our multitasking minds and our racing hearts. We must silence the noise. For when we do, we hear the symphony of heaven, and the words of the Father. And know that I am God... This week, I asked God what it truly meant to know who He is. I mean, even the demons believe in God, so what does it mean to know who he is as this verse is suggesting? When you ask God a question like that, you better be ready for the results! Over the past three days I have been crying regularly in awe of the miracles, prophetic insights, kindness, favor, and divine happenings that have taken place. He is who He says He is (Ex. 13:14). He is a promise keeper, a miracle worker, the protector of your heart, King of kings, Lord of lords, Emmanuel, Jehovah, and Creator. For when we are still in his presence, anxiety, the need to be perfect, and worry about making future decisions goes away because they are unnecessary and unacceptable in the presence of our Almighty King. As Holy Spirit indwells us and pours out His fruit (Gal. 5:22-23), we will be filled to overflowing with the peace that surpasses all understanding. For when we are still in his presence, anxiety, the need to be perfect, and worry about making future decisions goes away because they are unnecessary and unacceptable in the presence of our Almighty King. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth... Out of this space of recognizing our own mortality and weakness, how our power pales in comparison to his all-surpassing majesty, it is only natural to worship. He is worthy of all praise, forever. He is worthy of our acts of service, our gifts, talents, abilities, and time. He is worthy of our best “yes” and our pillow prayers. He is worthy of it all. For he will be exalted among all people groups. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess who he is (Phil. 2:10-11).
We have a reason for peace and hope. We have a King that has already won the victory! We can silence the noise and rest in who he is because he is good. He cares for you. So quiet your restless mind, be still in his presence, let go of perfectionism and boast about your weakness. May Christ be magnified. * https://www.barna.com/research/global-connection-isolation/
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |