It has been 18 days that this blog has been silent. It wasn’t by design, but it had a purpose. I needed some time for reflection and this is why.As a kid, growing up near Lake Ontario in upstate New York, I was always excited when we were at the lake to swim and the waves were big and would toss you around as you tried to swim or even stand up. In fact I learned to swim by body surfing the waves at a place called Mexico Point where my family would rent a cottage for a week or two during August. We always went in August, because according to my Dad, that was the time for the best bass fishing. When the waves are big, the water is churned up; silt and sand make the water cloudy so you can’t see the bottom so you are never sure what you are going to step on when you take your next step. As much as I liked the excitement of those big waves, they could also be very dangerous. Many have lost their life, trying to fight against the power and the fury of those waves.
As much as I liked the excitement of the waves, with all their power and fury, the days when the lake was calm, were amazing, especially early in the morning or at the end of the day. The water cleared, you could walk in the water and actually see where you were stepping, you could see the fish as they swam near shore looking for a light breakfast, or a late night snack. It was quiet, peaceful, still, and always gave me a sense of security. I’m sure that is exactly what God had in mind when He said “Be still and know that I am God!” This is the first part of Psalm 46:10. Here, the word still comes from a Hebrew word meaning to “let go” or “release.” The meaning would be best understood to say “cause yourself to let go.” In other words, we need to come to a place where we are willing to submit ourselves to God and acknowledging that He is in sovereign control.When we realize that we are truly incapable of controlling life, we can surrender our will to God’s will. It may be a matter of finally saying we trust Him. You are the Lord of my life, not me. This will open the door so that we may experience the fullness of all God wants and has for us. After all, He is our Creator and has a perfect plan for us when we let Him control it.
The other night my five year old granddaughter Emma told her mom very softly as she went to bed “Listen” her mom said what do you hear? Emma said “I think I hear responsibility!” a few moments later she said to her mom, “now I think I also hear consequences!”
Have you ever been quiet enough to hear responsibility or consequences? As God’s children, He gives us the responsibility of following His will and consequences for not following His will. In James 4:17, James tells us “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it to him it is sin.”
Take some time, be still, let the water of your life clear, look and see where you are stepping, the direction that God is leading you. Don’t spend your days being tossed about, playing or drowning, walking or trying to swim in muddy water, trying to live your life in your own strength, doing your own thing, not knowing the closeness of God, or experiencing the Joy of walking in His will. Take a few minutes, a few days, maybe even 18 days, as long as it takes; but take some time and; be still and know that He is God.
Grace and Peace
