Be Still And Know That I Am God

 “Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

Dear Family & Friends,

Times of quiet and peace often produce the best thoughts. Unfortunately in our culture we don’t value the quiet times. We like to fill all our moments with excitement and activity. Anything less we consider boring and unproductive. But without these down times our bodies can’t rest and our minds have less space to create as well as to hear God speak. This is why we must find quiet moments to be still. When we do we are better prepared to listen for God’s voice. He says, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Peace and Quiet Produce Good Thoughts

This past week Abigail attended a song-writing workshop, which was hosted by the Industrial Strength BlueGrass Festival in Wilmington, Ohio. For two and a half days she spent time learning the craft of writing lyrics and composing music to go with them. Some of the time was spent listening and learning from the teachers and others in the class. But a huge portion of the allotted time was spent cloistered away with a partner where they worked together to write their own original piece. These hours, away from the rest of the hubbub of the festival, produced the atmosphere needed for good thought and good writing. 

Jesus also knew the importance of getting away to foster good thought. After many hours of dealing with crowds and responding to censorious religious leaders, He retreated with His disciples to Caesarea Philippi, the far northern boundaries of Israel. Here, at the border between Jewish Israel and Gentile country, away from all the crowds, Jesus began to prepare His most trusted followers for His impending suffering and death. 

Jesus Questions His Disciples About His Identity

Starting the conversation with a leading question, Jesus asked,  “Who do people say I am?” The disciples responded with a wide variety of answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the other prophets. As the brainstorm of answers quieted, Jesus then asked His real question: “Who do you say I am?”

Without hesitation Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Peter got the answer correct and Jesus’ response to him is interesting. After affirming Peter’s answer Jesus said, “This was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” 

God Often Speaks in the Silence

Peter was just an ordinary man, but he had spent many hours with Jesus. The gospels record many exciting times the disciples spent together with Jesus among large crowds, watching incredible miracles being performed and dealing with a wide variety of people. But there were also many quiet times of traveling, listening, and sailing with Jesus. Somewhere between the hubbub and the quiet God spoke to Peter and revealed the truth about Jesus’ identity. Peter’s response to Jesus’ question affirmed his understanding and in it he was blessed. 

My fear for many of us today is that we never take the time of quiet needed to hear God’s voice. Instead we get caught up in the adrenaline of activity, running from one thing to the next so we will never have to be “bored” or feel unproductive. But what might we be missing if we are never still, allowing our minds to rest?

 Be Still and Know That I am God

It really is true that times of peace and quiet produce the best thoughts. Song writers and authors understand this. But the most important benefit of a retreat away from our busy world where we can come down from our adrenaline high and sit in stillness is that there, if we listen closely, we can hear God speak. 

So respond to God’s voice this week when He says, “Be still and know that I  am God.” Like Peter, you may be blessed to come to know and believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. 

Love,

Mama

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