Be still...

              I have been listening to various versions of the song “Be Still” sung by different singers. However, as the time approached for me to write this blog, the version by Travis Greene has been playing in my mind  over and over again.  The second part of the first verse says:
But when the noise is over, a still, small voice you wil hear. I hope that you believe me, when I tell ya
That I'll handle all of your cares, just wait on me
​          I am reminded of a couple of experiences this week where God kept reminding me to be still. While doing my monthly grocery shopping, I kept being concerned about the prices of things and how it would all affect my budget. Interestingly, while shopping and stressing, I barely noticed that this song had started playing in my mind over and over. When I finally started paying attention to the song playing in my mind, I somehow felt that God was trying to get my attention. And suddenly I got the message. I was busy stressing, worrying, and all God wanted me to do was to trust that He had it all under control. I am in His hands, my finances are in His hands and He would take care of me and my family. I immediately felt a peace, and I visibly relaxed and continued my shopping minus the feelings of stress and worry. 
           I am reminded of the story of Jesus rebuking the wind and waves. He gave a simple, yet powerful command: “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), and they had to obey. My stress and worry were like wind and waves tossing me to and fro, coming against me to destabilise me. Yet, just as Jesus reminded the wind and the waves of Who was really in control, God was using that song based on His Word to silence the worry and fear raging in my mind and heart. God was still in control and I needed to be reminded of that. 
            As I think about it, God has the authority to silence any enemy, any challenge, any trial coming against us. The problem is we have to learn to trust Him. The song speaks of a “still, small voice” reminding us that God is in control. So many times, the cares of this life seem to drown out that voice but it is there, we just need to pay attention to it, to listen to it. As the chorus of the song says:
          Be still and know, that I am God
          Be still and know, that I am God
          Just trust and know, that I am God
          And I'm in control, I am still … God
             The lyrics remind us to simply be still, to trust and know that our God is in control and that no matter what comes our way, God can and will handle it. Remember I said that I had a few experiences this week that God used to remind me to be still? Well, just before writing this blog, I was trying to scan some documents to meet a particular deadline. My printer at times works and at other times it does not. Unfortunately, this was one of those times it decided not to do what I wanted it to do. I tried and tried but to no avail. Finally, I simply surrendered to God and told Him that it was in His hands. I acknowledged that I just could not do it. In a matter of minutes, if so much, I was able to scan all the documents I needed to meet my deadline. From the time I gave the problem to God, just as the disciples turned to Jesus for help, God stepped in and did what I could not do.
          Psalm 46:10, the source of these words, is actually a reminder to us that God will silence our enemies. Verses 6 and 9 of the same Psalm say that “The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.” 
          It is not simply a consolation to us that God will take care of us, but it is a command that goes out to our enemies to be still, God has us His people covered and they cannot prevail against us. God is in control, not our enemies, not our challenges, not the fire we may go through from time to time. Jehovah God, is in control!
          If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I invite you to do so now. What a comfort it is to know that the God who created the heavens, the earth, and you and me, wants to cover us, protect us, fight for us … simply, love us!  

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