Monthly Devotional

Be Still

March 2008

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) 

I’ve been thinking about “Be Still.” One Mom whose story I feature in “Preparing My Heart for Motherhood” wrote,

“One advantage of having cancer was that I had to clear everything off of my schedule while I was going through treatment. When treatment was over, I realized how nice it was living at a slower pace with fewer commitments and was very careful and prayerful about choosing what activities to add to my schedule. I find I have to zealously guard against getting overly-busy.”

Another friend of mine whose first grader has been in and out of the hospital, has been homebound with him until his immune system is fully recovered. Because they cancelled many activities, they’ve focused on what is truly important and have felt a time of renewal.

It doesn’t have to take an illness to make your family slow down and recognize what is important. God wants us to “Be still.” It’s like hitting the PAUSE button.

Here are a few verses to consider as reminders to slow down.

The lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
Be still before the lord and wait patiently for him; (Psalm 37:7a) 
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) 

Jesus should be the Lord of our schedules and of our lives. List your priorities below. Does the pace of your day correspond to the order of your priorities?

•  _____________________________________________
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What can you do today that will help you to keep a slower pace that lines up with your priorities?

Jesus set a great example. He Himself, spent time with His Father and said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31) After they went by boat to a solitary place, the crowds followed, and so Jesus taught, performed a miracle and fed five thousand men, concluding his day with a retreat for time in prayer. He had a busy day, but it was never too hurried to include time with His Father.

Susanna Wesley, mother of nineteen, had her quiet time with her apron over her head. Her kids understood that this was Mommy’s time with God. Two of her sons (Charles and John) went on to become the founding fathers of Methodism.

Perhaps Jesus is inviting you to a quiet place to rest. If so, can you list a good time and place to meet with Him.

Time:    _____________________________________________

Place: _____________________________________________

Remember what Jesus said to Martha and insert your name in the following blanks:

“__________ __________, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.

What is the one thing needed in order for you to “Be still and know that He is God?”

Lord, I’m used to keeping busy and rushing from place to place. Help me to evaluate my priorities and order my day so that I am blessed by spending time in Your presence. Though my life may at times be busy, help me not to hurry through the day and miss the moments with You and the others you bring across my path. Help me to Be Still and know that You are God.

Copyright © 2008 - Ann Marie Stewart. All rights reserved.

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