Weekend Words

From Amish Peace...

Be Still

"Be still, and know that I am God!  I will be honored by every nation.  I will be honored throughout the world." - Psalm 46:10

There is nothing more wonderful than taking a walk along a quiet trail on a spring morning with the air still, one's mind still, and the world around still and at rest.  New buds cluster on previously dormant tree branches.  Spots of floral color can be seen within the light-green grass.  It's easy to feel God in such a place.

I've walked among Amish men, women, and children at a local auction and felt the same stillness - even in the midst of all the activities.  The air stirred slightly from their voices, but there was no loud uproar.  People moved, but not in anxious haste.  God was honored not only by their words but also by the contented way they interacted.

I don't feel the same way when I'm in a large city, walking down a high school corridor, or in the middle of a mall.  The blare of machinery or music fills the air.  Voices do too.  The hairstyles, clothes, and merchandise scream, "Notice me, notice me!"  The people's actions silently declare the same.  Each person wants to be noticed, to feel valued, to stand out.

As believers, we know we are special creations, unique and precious to God.  So why do we struggle with comparing our lives, our bodies, our children, our talents (or lack of talents) with others?  God didn't create the world to be exalted but to glorify Him.  The same goes for us.

Be still and know that He is God.  Be still.  Fight against the desire to create idols of man-made things.  Fight against your longing to be noticed and appreciated - to stand out in a crowd.

Isaiah 37:16 says, "O Lord of Heaven's Armies, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim!  You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth.  You alone created the heavens and the earth."  May not only our words but also our "stillness" in everyday situations make such a declaration.

Dear heavenly Father, when I feel the urge rising to make myself known, I pray I might make You known.  When I feel the desire to gain attention, may I remember to be still and give You the glory.

From In Green Pastures...

Should the uncertainty of all human affairs sadden our lives?  No; God does not want us to bring tomorrow's possible clouds to shadow our todays.  He does not want us to be unhappy while the sun shines because by-and-by it will be dark.  He wants us to live in today and enjoy its blessings and do its work well, though tomorrow may well bring calamity.  How can we?  Only by calm, quiet, trustful faith in God and obedience to him at every step.  Then no troublesome tomorrow can ever bring us harm.  those who do God's will each day God will hide under his wings when the storm breaks.