Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who are called according to His purpose for them.
How often do we rush through our day; briskly moving through each activity, completing it, and proudly checking it off our urgent “to do” list? I don’t know about you but that is pretty descriptive of my daily routine. Many of us are good at completing tasks. We set goals and then come up with strategies to make those goals a reality. We are quite efficient and even creative in what we do. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
However, for those of us who are pragmatic by nature we must remind ourselves to STOP and spend some time reflecting. Francis Chan, in his book CRAZY LOVE, urges us to stop talking at God when we pray and LISTEN. He goes on to say: The wise man comes to God without saying a word and stands in awe of Him.
The Psalmist knew what it meant to ponder the awesomeness of God. I doubt the great truths, found in these writings, came to these men of faith in the middle of their busyness or at least not until they STOPPED, PAUSED and LISTENED. When we, as Christians, pause and listen we discover the depth of our Creator and His love for his creation. Psalm 46 speaks of God being our refuge and strength; enumerating His power and might before reminding us to BE STILL and know that He is God.
God is our refuge & strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Let the oceans roar and foam. Le the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how He brings destruction upon the world and causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two;
He burns the shields with fire.
Be silent, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.
(Psalm 46:1-3, 8-10) (NLT)
The NIV version says: “Be still and know that I am God.”
BE STILL, BE SILENT before God. Ponder His awesomeness!
When we stop and ponder we find out God is in the middle of every circumstance that comes our direction—even the uncomfortable, scary or painful moments. There is nothing hid from Him. When we encounter obstacles, God sees opportunities to rest in Him, and be amazed at how he will work things out for our good.
Near the end of Francis Chan’s book Crazy Love writes:
I’ve made it a commitment to consistently put myself in situations that scare me and
require God to come through. When I survey my life, I realize that those times have been
the most meaningful and satisfying of my life. They were the times when I truly
experienced life and God.
When I find I’m overwhelmed with my “to do” list and I can’t possibly see how to get it all completed, those are the very moments I need to STOP and LISTEN, …. BE STILL and be amazed at how God is willing and certainly able to work things out for my good.