When the world is spinning and feels like you are in a tornado,
When the stress ramps up and starts to choke you.
When the pain of loss and grief threatens to drown you in tears.
When the overwhelm and anxiety threaten stagnate you in everything today.
Be still. Know that I am God.
When I can’t figure a way out of the mess I’ve created.
When rejection is close and the fear of more governs my relationships.
When my finances are bleak and the outlook bleaker.
When I watch my loved ones hurt and hurt each other.
Be still. Know that I am God.
When I feel like I’m moving through mud as everything is in slow motion.
When I can’t make things stop as they spiral and whir by my eyes.
When all of the plans I had made fall apart and wither away.
When I can’t see a future or a hope, and feel that the painful present is all there is.
Be still. Know that I am God.
When those I love are clawing for their very lives.
When I get the diagnosis for myself or someone else I was dreading.
When I don’t see a solution to a problem that seems devastating.
When the darkness feels like it is wrapping its fingers around my throat.
Be still. Know that I am God.
When everything I’ve tried falls through and nothing works.
When my breath is fast and my pulse races with fear and anxiety.
When I don’t want to get out of bed because it seems pointless.
When nothing seems worthwhile or meaningful, least of all me.
Be still. Know that I am God.
You see, I am realizing that the reason God calls us to be still and focus on Him is that we often try to convince ourselves things aren’t that bad or we can figure a way out. But instead, He calls us to know Him and trust Him. Even when we struggle with things we think we aren’t supposed to struggle with, He invites us to come to Him. Even when we feel like a disappointment, He runs to us and wraps His arms around us, calling us delight and beloved.
We aren’t going to be still and accept peace if we base that on ourselves getting it “right”, but when we know that He is God, we can. We can take a deep breath, and ask Him to be God in our situation, whatever that looks like. And nothing is bigger or stronger than Him, and He's got us. He never leaves us or forsakes us, even when we made dumb choices. Jesus walks with us all the way, encouraging us to come to Him for every need. When I am focused on His presence, I can feel my whole body relax. It doesn’t mean that I sit down and do nothing, but I do things with a foundation of peace not overwhelm or stress.
Whatever situation you find yourself in today, whatever your mindset or troubles, remember that we can be still and know God. And when we do, we find that all our needs are met and we have the peace that makes no sense outside of a big God who loves us immensely.
Surrender your anxiety. Be still and realize that I am God. I am God above all the nations, and I am exalted throughout the whole earth. Psalm 46:10