Clothesline - Edition 208

By Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson, Pastor

July 10, 2024  

A dear friend of mine posted the following on Facebook:

        "Be still, and know that I am God". (Psalm 46:10)

         The key phrase here is "be still."

          Be still and listen...be still and draw close...

          Be still and meditate on the Word...

          Be still and focus on Him.

How difficult such a request is, whether we are young or old, working or retired. Being still is foreign to us. And yet, this request from our God isn’t a suggestion; it is a mandate. Let’s take a look at it.

Be still and listen. Makes sense, doesn’t it? If you’re having a conversation with someone, don’t you have to listen? You wouldn’t be distracted by your phone or gaze in another direction, would you? How much more should you be focused on God!

Be still and draw close. From the time I was old enough to wonder about God, I’ve always wanted to be close to him. But it isn’t an easy task. We live in a world filled with noise and distractions. We have responsibilities that take up much of our time. Other people have expectations of us. So, shouldn’t our God? Many years ago, at a retreat, we were asked to sit quietly and visualize a place where we might see Jesus. Immediately, with eyes closed, I saw a gently flowing stream, trickling over the rocks, birds singing in the trees overhead. And kneeling down to touch the water…was Jesus. He looks up…and sees me. He smiles and beckons me to join him in such a place of peace and contentment. He would do the same for you; take the time to find your special place…

Be still and meditate on the Word. This is something concrete that we can do: spend time in the Word. Read Scripture daily. It doesn’t have to be a long passage…just a little food for thought… to keep you connected to the One who is always connected to you.

Be still and focus on Him. Remember the lack of clarity in our old photographs? Even today, we may have to adjust some piece of photo equipment in order to bring the object of our photo shoot into focus. How do we do that with God? We sit, we take a deep breath, and we put the world and its distractions aside. It’s not always easy, but the reward is great.

And that brings us to…Be still and know that I am God! How blessed we are to have a God who wants to spend time with us! He is a God who knows everything about us, who desires to make his presence known in our lives, even while knowing everything there is to know about us, good and not-so-good! Such a relationship is worth its weight in gold. So, be still… He is waiting…