Last night my husband and I argued of the silliest of things, yet it always boils down to the same thing: He makes me feel like he thinks that I’m stupid and always wants to prove me wrong and he feels like I’ve always got to be right and prove my point and ultimately, it is always my fault.
I went to bed last night much later than I planned and wanted to. Then after I got in bed I spent the next hour or so praying. I vacillated between a pity party, then humility and finally praising God. Then I’d start all over again.
I demanded to know from God WHY? Why do I always have to be the one that bends the knee? Why do I always have to be the one that sacrifices my desires, my thoughts and my feelings? Then at the other extreme I’d beg God to humble me that I would be usable in His hand, that He would pierce my stubborn heart because after all this isn’t for me but for His Glory. Then I’d start praising God, thanking Him for His great mercy, unfailing grace and unconditional love.
This morning, after a horrible night trying to sleep and never really accomplishing that task, I dragged myself out of bed and started in again with prayer. Am I actually rebelling against God by stubbornly refusing to budge in my belief that as long as I’m submissive to my husband God will provide for me or am I doing what is right by continuing no matter how much of an uphill battle I’m encountering? What hit me while I was getting ready is this scripture from Psalms.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God! Wow, what a message, what a renewal of God’s light in my heart, what an awesome responsibility! How am I supposed to “be still” when all I want to do is lash back in anger, frustration, or bitterness? What does it mean to “know” that He is God?
In the midst of any difficulty, we just simply need to “be still.” We can’t “be still” if we’re fretting about whether we’re doing right or wrong by the convictions that God has instilled in our hearts. We can’t “be still” if we revel in anger, bitterness or frustration. We can’t “be still” unless we “know” that He is God, which brings us to the second part of that statement. Notice, the text doesn’t say to “know God,” but “know that I am God.” Knowing that He is God is significant because just knowing that He is God should instill peace in our hearts. Knowing that He is God means that we also know that He is in control and that He loves us, extends His grace and mercy. As Paul stated; His grace is sufficient. It absolutely is. Knowing that He is God, takes the pressure off of our shoulders to be in control and allows God to take over.
The most awesome thing is that by being still and knowing that He is God, or if you’ll allow - being still and thinking of God’s sovereignty, God will be glorified, not just in our immediate surroundings, but every nation and the whole world. Who says that one person can’t make a difference. I don’t claim to understand it, only God has the cosmic picture, instead I just believe simply because Has said to believe.
I live for God and thank Him for is grace, without which, I would be as a worm crawling in the dust.
Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters to great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord - now and always. Psalm 131
May God provide the increase
God must be speaking the same message to both our hearts. As I read your message I realized it’s the same message I just posted on Calvinists blog in answer to his questions. “Nest and rest and be at peace knowing that God is in control!” We don’t have to fight the issues whether it’s our husband, children or church issues. “Be still and see the salvation of God.” Isaiah says in 30:7 “…Their strength is to sit still.” “Wait upoin the Lord..” “There remaineth a rest for the people of God.” And David says, “Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. ” It’s hard to “wait”. Our natural response is to “react, run, do” I believe the more we learn to “wait on” or “rest in” the Lord the more we will see Him working things out for us. The battle is the Lords.
This is wonderful. I needed to read this. Thank you!
would like to share your devotional Psalm 46:10 with some of women as one of our reflections for the day. thank you in advance. tess
Absolutely Tess! I am honored and humbled. Thank you for the opportunity of re-reading my own writing, it has come at a much needed moment in my life…to be reminded that it isn’t about me but God. This morning I asked myself, “if I were giving myself advice what would I say to me?” You have helped answer that question…”to be still and to know that He is God.”
Thank you for this wonderful verse Psalm 46:10. In our Women’s prayer group this was the Word that was given and we have all received it but I did not know what it meant so thank you for sharing your experience with me and others that are seeking rest, peace and understanding.
You’re welcome Tamaria. Thank you for stumbling upon my post. I needed to hear this myself. Thank you and God bless.
Hi Tess, just wanted to let you know that what you wrote gave me some words to pass on with a reader.
We have just started up an encouragement site and I had an email from a lady and felt to quote back to her Palm 46.10. I thought came that I should see what the words could mean for her and came across your site.
So God blessed you then as a result of writing is blessing others. How exciting is that?
If you have time please check out our site
http://www.theencouragementfoundation.com.au
Have an amazing Day.
Julia
awesome word i know that this is from our heavenly father. I was experiencing so much just over the past year with having a child, husband career ending and still having bills to pay. The awesome thing about this word is i was feeling overwhelmed wanting to quit but knowing that there is nothing to turn back too. And this word just gives me hope Be still (calm down,stop trying to make something happen, stop talking and listen)…..and know that I am God…… Hope that is seen is not hope….. praise your name father you and you alone are worthy to be praised
This is the second time this post has caught someone’s attention and they felt led to leave a note…I find this interesting, God is speaking to me once again through my own writing…now I just need to heed what I’ve written and simply, “Be still…” I know that He is God…Praise His holy name. Thank you Stephanie and Julia for finding this post and giving me a reason to re-read my post. God is working. Thank Him always and in everything give thanks.