Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.” (Zechariah 2:13)
The other day my bible study instructed me to walk outside and spend some time absorbing the beauty of God’s creation. “Do it right now”, the author prompted, “because if you wait until later, you’ll never do it.”
She was probably right! My intentions may be good, but all the distractions and daily activities would get in the way, and I would surely forget.
I’ll be honest with you, at first I thought to myself… Okay let’s get this thing over with so I can check it off my list; I’ve got a lot to do today. Frankly, it seemed like a waste of time to simply sit and do nothing. Yet being the obedient student that I am, I followed my teacher’s instruction to the letter.
It was early morning when I stepped outside, so there was a brisk chill in the air. I sat down on my front porch step to take in all the sights, smells and sounds. At first, I didn’t hear, see, or notice much of anything; but the longer I remained quiet, the more perceptive my senses became. My time spent being still slowly developed into a peaceful time of quiet worship to the Lord.
During those times when we are not feeling God’s presence or hearing His voice, perhaps it is because we are not taking time to be still before the Lord. I learned a valuable lesson through my experience that day.
It seems that the prophet Elijah learned a similar lesson many years ago.
“The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”
“Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:11-13)
We must quiet ourselves long enough to distinguish God’s voice above all the others. I encourage you to take some time today to be still before the Lord. I promise that it is not a waste of your time, and you will be blessed. If possible, go outside and take in the beauty of God’s creation. Listen closely for God’s gentle whisper, and when you sense His presence, give Him the praise and worship He appropriately deserves.
“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)
