Friday, May 18, 2012

Be Still and Know


“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17

BE STILL AND KNOW

As I write this devotion, I am sitting in my back yard, under my magnificent magnolia tree, in my blue and white striped lawn chair. Up until about 10 seconds ago, my dog, Oscar, was sitting in the chair next to me, as he usually does when I am sitting in the yard.  I say “up until 10 seconds ago” because I thought I was going to tell you about how peaceful this moment was, and how we could miss it if we are too hurried.  Now, I am smiling as I type because I see that this is not my intended direction at all, because Oscar has shot across the yard barking at a neighbor, there is an ambulance screaming in the distance, a power-saw from the yard behind me, and the once-peaceful birds are now in some kind of ornithological riot!

Quiet, still moments are few and far between. Everyone and everything is on its way to somewhere, and undoubtedly, someone or something else is going to get in their way. We seem to be in a constant state of “catch up” and “stock up,” that we miss so many of the normal, everyday occasions to praise God. Even now, I am fighting with the thought-trains that are forging through my mind, “what is next for this great backyard? I need to call the dentist today. Oh, I should call my Mom today, too.”
I believe we have to be in a place in our hearts and minds to receive God’s best for us.  If I keep telling God, “Oh! Hold that thought, I’ll be right back with you, as soon as I finish this…,” then I will continue to walk around exhausted and unfulfilled. Nothing will ever be good enough, clean enough, or “mine” enough.

Do you have time to dream dreams or see visions? Take this fleeting moment in time, find a quiet spot, if even for 5 minutes, close your eyes, and breathe. Thank God for at least one thing He has done, is doing, and will do. God is the great “I AM,” and you are His precious child.

Prayer:  God, I am so tired, breathe for me. God, I am so grateful…for what you have done, what you are doing, and what You will continue to do for me. Most of all, I am just grateful for YOU. Amen

Cheryl D. Wyatt

Additional Scriptures: Psalm 46:10; Proverbs 17:1; Psalm 23:2