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Friday, August 8, 2008

Prone to Fidget

So, I’ve got a problem - maybe you can identify with me. I’m struggling with this odd sensation that millions crave, but I inherently detest. You may have heard something about it. It’s called ‘being still’.

Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines the word ‘still’ as “devoid of or abstaining from motion”. Those of you with small children or teenagers know – being still is not something I, even as a young woman, excel at. I’m rather fidgety, to be completely honest.

As a small child, Sunday would come and my mother would march us into church, armed with a canvas bag filled with a 64-pack of Crayola's, a vast assortment of coloring books & my favorite: stickers. She knew us well enough to know that we would struggle through the painfully long sermon, and thus she came prepared. Today, 15 or so years later, I still fidget in church, but this time I’m paying attention. Now my struggle with stillness comes in the form of ridiculously detailed note taking. You should see my church bulletins. This miniscule handwriting combined with diagrams, all neatly laid out in a rigid outline. I am 19 years old and I am basically incapable of sitting still. Is there any hope?

I remember a skit performed at the church I grew up in – I couldn’t have been older than 8. There were a few adults, and they were busy – one man in traffic, another at work, a woman grocery shopping – and they were speaking aloud to God.

“What do I do with this deadline, God? I can’t possibly meet it.”

“God, I have too much on my plate. How can I cook dinner & help the kids with their homework and still have time for me?”

Something like that.

Then a voice (apparently, the voice of God, for it was a warm, disembodied baritone) echoed throughout the sanctuary – speaking to each of them, saying simply: “Be still – and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

That was the first time I heard that truth, and I haven’t ever forgotten it. It’s simple, but so very important to remember. We get so wrapped up in our daily lives, some of it at such a manic pace, that we forget. Regardless of how crazy the daily routine might get, we need to take time to be still & remember that God is who He is – and He’ll provide for all of our needs. God commands us to be still, right at the moment when we’ve reached our limit to remind us that He is limitless.

So the next time your world begins to crumble – when the soft drink machine is out of Diet Coke, when your blush compact falls out of your purse and disintegrates as it hits the floor, when that first premature gray hair makes its presence known… be still, take a time out, and know that He is God.

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11 Comments:

Blogger Denise said...

I am so thankful that He is always the same, my precious Saviour.

July 14, 2008 at 5:46 AM  
Blogger LauraLee Shaw said...

God is so good. His steadfast love never ceases. I absolutely love the way you ended me with a laugh! Have a wonderful day!

July 14, 2008 at 7:31 AM  
Blogger Heather said...

I think it's great that you "fidget" during the sermon, writing notes all over your bulletin. It means your mind is engaged. But, we do need to understand the soul-stillness that only comes from resting in God's sovereignty.

July 14, 2008 at 7:49 AM  
Blogger Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Fellow fidgetor lol. Sometimes it's hard to find a "quiet" moment let alone be still. But we all need it,I know that.
Great post.
Blessings,
Kim

August 8, 2008 at 7:01 AM  
Blogger Tiffanie Lloyd said...

Great post. And great reminder... I could easily be described as a "Martha" and really have to be intentional about being more like "Mary".

August 8, 2008 at 8:29 AM  
Blogger Julie said...

Be still and know is something Papa God has said to me over and over again these last few years.

I have been given an opportunity to see from His heart what He means as He says that to me.

Heather (MommyMonk) called it soul stillness...

In this season of learning "be still and know" with Papa I have discovered something. He wants me to be still from my efforts to know He is God in me.

It has been truly amazing..... I have found freedom and life like I never expected.

Thanks for sharing.
Julie
PS. My head is now smarting lots of gray hair, I let my hair color wash. I am finally at rest in that.

August 8, 2008 at 9:44 AM  
Blogger Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Being still is so difficult for me. Thank you for putting into words it's importance. Wonderful post.

August 8, 2008 at 12:07 PM  
Blogger Kelly said...

I really needed that especially today! It is hard for me to be still... This was a good story. This is my first time to join Internet Cafe. It is really good!

August 8, 2008 at 7:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Be still - and know that I am God."

Sounds so simple, yet we are all "fidgeters" at heart . . . and need to be reminded!

Thanks for the sweet reminder!

love ya

August 8, 2008 at 9:21 PM  
Blogger windycindy said...

You have spoken about the Bible verse that speaks volumes to me! "Be Still and Know That I Am God" is my favorite Bible verse. It is hand stitched on pillows and hand painted on my wooden signs in our home. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

August 8, 2008 at 11:21 PM  
Blogger sailorcross said...

"Be still and know that I am God."

Sometimes I have to stop myself from jumping ahead into tomorrow, or next week, or even the next hour. And I have to remind myself that God is in control, I am not.

And, then be still, listen for His voice calling to me, directing me.

Thanks for the great reminder!

Beth

August 9, 2008 at 4:07 AM  

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