“Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” – Psa. 4:4
It’s amazing what stillness can do for the soul. Perhaps you’ve experienced one of those times when you were praying, or just thinking, when suddenly your mind was flooded with thoughts you’ve never had before. Then you wonder, “How in the world did I ever think of that?” Sadly we don’t have enough moments like that. There are so many distractions around us and desires within us that it’s difficult to stay attuned to God.
Years ago we used to hear people talk about “praying through”. I wouldn’t agree with what some of them meant by that, but I’m also sure that sometimes we’re through we before we even start praying. We say a prayer without ever actually praying. We sometimes do a lot of religious things without doing anything for the Lord. It makes us feel good about ourselves, but God isn’t impressed.
We would be wise to be more zealous regarding having a quiet time with the Lord. Rather than running ourselves ragged with a to do list in our hand sometimes we ought to clear the calendar and make more time for God. Sadly the moment our feet hits the floor in the morning we are thinking of things to do. We give little thought to the matter of quietness and meditation. Few there be who can actually say as the Psalmist did in Psa. 119:147-148, “I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.”
Too many are busy, zealous, and exhausted doing many things, but they miss the main thing, which is communion with God. We ought to do as we’re told in Psa. 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Think about the words of this old hymn. – HDS
Be still my soul the Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In every change He faithful will remain
Be still my soul thy best, thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end
Be still my soul when dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears
Then shalt thou better know His love His heart
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears
Be still my soul the waves and winds shall know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
