Daily Devotion: April 13

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”


Every parent has uttered it at one point in time, and all kids have been annoyed to hear it. We humans do not like to be still. We have this innate drive to be busy and do. In this season, being still has taken on new meaning. Government mandates like “social distancing”, “stay home”, and “shelter in place” are forcing uncomfortable stillness on society.

Keeping busy is generally a good thing, and God intended our lives to have purpose. During the early days in Genesis, God tasked Adam with naming animals and tending Eden’s garden. He meant for Adam to be engaged with creation and contributing to its well being.

However, Psalms 46 reminds us that our busy lives can quickly lose focus. We can find ourselves striving under our own steam, succumbing to fears and anxiousness to events around us, and trying to force things to happen in our lives without consideration of God’s will.

The Psalm starts with a reminder that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble, and while “nations rage and kingdoms totter” (verse 6), He remains in control. His Kingdom can never falter like earthly realms. It may not seem like God is exercising much control in the midst of our storms, but that is why the reminder: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

When we allow ourselves to pause, if we can surrender our daily striving, we open ourselves to His rest and the Holy Spirit’s ministry to our souls. When we can pause the busyness of the day to day, we can more deeply appreciate what God is doing in our lives and the world around us.

It was only after Jesus told the storm “Peace! Be still!” in Mark 4:39 that the disciples took pause to marvel at Jesus’ control over nature. The storm prompted fear, but the peace Jesus brought dealing with the tempest inspired awe.

So while the world tells us to “Be still” in fear of a virus and economic trials, Our Heavenly Father reminds us to “Be still” in the promise that He is firmly, unquestionably in control and will be exalted through the storms of life.

When we resist the stillness He calls us to, we succumb to our own striving and anxieties. In a way, we are challenging His very authority over our circumstances. Worse, we lose precious moments of sweet fellowship with Him that helps us grow in our faith.

It’s not an easy thing to be still, but in a season where nothing seems to be in control, how beautifully necessary it is for us to use this pause in our daily routine to reflect that He is indeed our God. Let Him be exalted in our lives.

Questions
What keeps you from being still?
What has the Lord been speaking to you in the stillness?
Looking back on the last few years, where has God been strengthening your faith? Let that be an encouragement!

For the kids
Discussion: How can we know God is in control? Parents, share personal testimonies with your kids about God’s goodness that you have experienced.

Activity: Tell a story with pictures. Arrange your favorite toys in scenes, take photos, and create a storybook out of the pictures. Alternatively, try a photo scavenger hunt of items around the house.