Bentley Creek, PA
“Be still and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).
I went for a walk across from our house up Green Mt. Road one misty, spring day. It was sprinkling lightly, and the dirt road was muddy. Flocks of geese circled the top of the hill, making ready to land on a large pond up there.
I stopped to listen: the distant barking of a dog, a bleating lamb, faintly heard. It was so peaceful.
The trees. Normally they whisper or twist in the breeze, but that day they stood bare and silent. Their uplifted twiggy branches were absolutely motionless and still. What are they listening for? I wondered. The stillness somehow seemed heavy with anticipation. Maybe they’re not listening for something, but Someone.
I thought of Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Being still isn’t about meditating, or listening to our breathing or inner self. It’s not about self at all. It’s about turning our thoughts from ourselves to God’s majesty. Exalt means “to lift high.” His power is greater than all the powers of earth; His wisdom and compassion are far above that of our world. These thoughts of God’s greatness come to us more easily when we shut out the noisy distractions of life and silence our human thoughts. When we are still in His presence, we begin to know who God really is.
Lord, quiet my thoughts so that I can listen to You and know You.