Be still.

Really, before reading on, take just a moment to be still in the presence of God. When was the last time you took the time for that? Maybe it was this morning, last week, or last month.

I’m usually the first to say that I’m very busy. I know that you are busy, too. In fact, I think in today’s culture if you’re not busy, you’re looked down on and seen as lazy or unmotivated. But in the demands of our busy lives, we’ve lost something so valuable—time with our Heavenly Father. If we’re not careful, our busyness can become more about us than anything else. Even busyness for God can quickly become about us if we forget to take the time to be still in His presence.

You may be familiar with Psalm 41:10, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

In this verse, God is telling His people to stop! Some translations say, “cease striving.” It’s commonly believed that Israel was in the midst of battle as this was written. Yet God’s message to His people was not to fight harder—it was to literally stop stressing about the battle, and wake up. To take a step back and open their eyes. To stop trying to do everything on their own and to remember who their God is.

I really think God’s message to us is the same today. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Your fight probably looks a little different than it did for Israel. It might be trying to balance a heavy demand at work. Maybe it’s trying to do that job well, all while having to help your kids with remote learning. Maybe the battle for you is an ongoing hurt, habit, or hang-up. For me, it’s trying to be a good leader of my home and family. It could be any number of things, but we’re all battling something in this fallen world. God’s solution is the same, however. Look to Him. Step back, and be in awe of His love, grace, mercy, and power.

It’s amazing how much more peace and joy we feel when we surrender the struggle to God and watch Him work. Doing so brings us comfort, even in the midst of chaos. My prayer for you (and myself!) is that the year 2020 brings a new normal; daily time spent with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Billy Peterson
Children’s Ministry Director