Psalm 46:10 prescribes an even better nourishment for your soul. In addition to rest and sit still, it adjures us to know God:
Be still, and know that I am God.
That's hard to do while searching for shoes, scooting kids into the car, paying bills, or singing The Mom Song (see Thursday's post).
But here's a simple way to get to know God. Grab a pencil, a scrap of paper and Psalm 46. Then quiet your heart. Be still while you start the beginning of the psalm. Then, every time you see the words "God is" or "God will" jot down the rest of the phrase. It'll take less than five minutes but will bring you repeated "rest" every time you remember it today.
Example:
Psalm 46:1 God is __________ fill in the blank with . . . our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Just copy it word-for-word from your Bible.
I know it's hard to concentrate when the mind is numb. God knows that too. So don't worry about distractions---you're normal. Don't feel foolish because this is so easy---instead, understand the wisdom. Copy these words. Put them in your pocket. Pull them out from time to time. You'll be reminded of the God who is on your side. Priceless!
Now you try it:
Psalm 46:5 God is ___________
God will ______________
Psalm 46:7 The LORD Almighty is ___________
the God of Jacob is _______________
Psalm 46:10 I (God) will ____________
I (God) will __________
Psalm 46:11 The LORD Almighty is _____________
the God of Jacob is ______________
Isn't God good? Isn't He our Almighty, our Refuge and Strength? And He is with us! He emphasizes that by repeating that truth in verses 7 and 11. Let's thank Him and praise Him for His presence and help.
I pray these truths about God's attributes and character will bring some rest to your soul this day.
♥ ferree
Psalm 46 is such a beautiful Psalm. "Be still and know that I am God." I have those words hanging on a plaque in my kitchen.
ReplyDeleteThey are a needed message for our time. I should put them on my kitchen wall too Sharon. :)
ReplyDeleteHello Ferree,
ReplyDeleteThank you for understanding about our "fuzzy brain". And God understands, too, and so graciously gives even a simple phrase or two to hold onto and to encourage us.
Here's one I love this week, from Psalm 16:7, "I will bless the LORD who hath given me counsel."
Recently I was guided in knowing whether or not to retire when faced with a lengthy program of chemo and radiation treatments.
"Take a leave of absence," counselled a wise older friend. Perfect!
"Time to heal" is another phrase from Ecclesiastes 3 which gives me permission to take the time I need for recovery from surgery and from the subsequent treatments and frees me from feeling the need to "accomplish" things. It is the season to rest. What a precious gift to have the time and the warrant to rest and regain my strength!
It is certainly true that "the truth will set you free".
I love your weekly reminders to rest.
This week I sometimes sat in the sun in a lovely botanical garden near my home, sometimes on a bench, sometimes near a waterfall on a rock. It's so peaceful and quiet at this time of year and I come home feeling so refreshed and renewed.
ferree, you bring us good words, wise words, words that breathe new life into ones who are weary.
Just like our dear, beleaguered, beloved Job who said, "I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips would asswage [lessen] your grief." Job 16:5
Thank you, Ferree. May you feel the sunshine of His smile and have an abundant spiritual feast this weekend.
Honey Bee
Thank you Honey Bee! God's Word continually strengthens you and its such an encouragement to everyone to see it at work in your heart and in your circumstances. We'll be praying for you during your chemo and radiation treatments.
ReplyDelete