Today's writing is the Day 6 reading from "Living What We Believe: A Study Guide for Lent." It's not just a message for Lent, but anytime. When I was looking for what to share today, I came across this and it helped me. I hope it speaks to you as well. Peace.
“Troubles, troubles,
everybody’s got troubles.” I do not remember where those words
came from, but seems it was from an old song. Whatever the source, it’s true. Financial
stresses, job demands, relationship issues, health problems, career insecurities,
worries about loved ones – the list could continue, but there’s probably at
least one thing you can relate to, maybe more, already there.
Sometimes, life
is overwhelming. The big things cause stress, but it’s the little things, the
constant stream of problems, that seems to wear us down. It is easy to feel
discouraged. Then, the physical problems
become internal ones and they eat away at us, robbing us of peace.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
The Message
translation says, “God is a safe place to
hide, ready to help when we need him.” So what? Is God going to send a big
check to pay your taxes? Help your child with schoolwork? Heal your sick dog?
God is going to
be there as your safe place. He is already there, ready to be noticed. With God
to lean on, we remember that we are not alone. No matter what happens, God
gives us the inner strength we need to get through the troubles.
How? First, pay
attention and notice that “Hey! God IS there!” Later in this same psalm, we
come to a small sentence with a world of insight. It is one of the cornerstones
of my walk in faith.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Be still; Quit doing for a minute. The strength is
already there but you may be too busy to notice it. Give yourself time to
de-stress, even if for minutes at a time. Seek out calmness. It's impossible
for your spirit to relax with the TV on, with people talking to you, and with a
to-do list in your hand.
Be still; Take a
deep breath and as you slowly let it out, be quiet and calm. If it is still
noisy, try soft music in the background, as long as it does not distract you. Notice
the good things, the gifts found around you. Watch the clouds, or appreciate
the things of nature. If you don't normally notice them, then you'll have to
pay more attention. Can’t go outside? Here’s a trick I use: I have pictures of
nature and look at them occasionally. It really helps!
Look at the
verse again. “Be still and know that I am God.” Now that you are able to be still, reflect on
the rest of the sentence. KNOW that God is infinite and almighty, always here
and always in charge.
Remember what
God can do that we cannot do. He calms the storms of stress and anxiety that
are inside of us. The calm you will receive is not because you no longer have
troubles, but because you remember that there is nothing more powerful than
God’s strength.
God is your
refuge, your safe place. God was there for you in your weakest, saddest times
and He is here for you now. As your
world crumbles, be still and know that God’s past provides calm for our future.
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