Do you like to be still, or would you rather always be on the move?

When I was younger, I was always on the move, outside playing or playing with toys in my room.  You know actual toys that you played with, used your imagination and moved around.  Not like today where most of the games we play are on a screen.  It doesn’t require much movement or imagination, although they have come out with a few games like Wii and VR-Oculus (Virtual) that are more physically interactive.

We are definitely addicted to our “screens”, and it’s not just kids. I’m so glad there weren’t any video game systems available when I was younger.  Well, there was Atari, but my parents never bought one.  If I would have had today’s video game options, I may have never finished college.

As I have grown older, I’ve become a little more of a couch potato.  I really enjoy my PlayStation games, streaming services, movies, and watching sports.  My point is that being still is no longer a problem.  Well, maybe it is a problem.  My physique certainly reflects my lack of activity.  I miss going to the gym.  I’m much better about working out if I actually go to the gym.  Doing it at home just doesn’t work.

Read Psalm 46:1-10

Most of the news media and marketing that we consume or choose to ignore is very negative.  They use fear to manipulate so they can get our attention or sell us something.  It’s easy to get swept up in the hype or chaos.  Now more than ever we need good news, and the Bible is loaded with it.  The writer of Psalm 46 shares with us some really good news about God.

  • God is our refuge and strength.
  • God is “ever-present” or always there in times of trouble.
  • The Lord of Heaven’s Armies are here among us.
  • The God of Israel is a mighty fortress

There have been several hymns and contemporary worship songs that were inspired by verses in Psalm 46.  It is a great reminder that in midst of the chaos of life we have a refuge or hiding place.  We can run to that refuge and find peace.  We can “be still and know that He is God.” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)

Being still or relaxing is one thing, but being still and knowing God is another.  We can be still and still be stressed or distracted.  Sometimes distraction itself is a way for us to escape.  I have to admit that playing a video game, watching a movie or sports is one way to get my mind off of other things and “check out”.

Being still and knowing God requires a different strategy and intentionality. If we want to see what the Psalmist calls “the glorious works of the Lord”, we have to stop, be still, and know God. No, I haven’t perfected that one either, but I still try.  The challenge is blocking out all the noise and distractions. My mind wonders too much.  I wish my mind could be still.  But, in spite of my daydreaming, I have had some pretty cool moments with the Lord in quiet stillness.  Jesus was very committed to getting away from the distractions of life, to be alone in the desert or a garden to be still and know His Father.  One of my best “quiet time” spots in college was a grove of white pine trees outside of my dorm.  As I would read, meditate, and pray, I could feel and hear the wind blowing through the trees and my soul.  There was no magic.  I didn’t start floating in the air, but I believe it was the spirit and peace of God that transcends all understanding.  It was a place of refuge, strength, comfort, and renewal.

Find a quiet spot, remove distractions, be still, pray, meditate, and reflect on these Bible passages:  Psalm 46:10; Philippians 4:4-9.

Questions:

  • When was the last time you experienced God as a refuge and hiding place? What was that experience like?
  • This is the good news no one’s reporting: God is our peace, comforter, provider, righteousness, strength, hope, and light. Which of those qualities means the most to you right now? Why?
  • Read Psalm 46:10. How would your life be different if you were still and just experienced God more often? How would it effect your ability to trust God?
  • How does it make you feel to know that God is always there or “ever-present” in times of trouble?
  • What troubles are you facing right now?
  • How can you slow down and quiet your soul so you can better connect with God this week?
  • How and when have you experienced God’s peace that “transcends all understanding”? You didn’t understand how or why, but you still felt and knew it, even in the midst of trying times.

For additional study go to www.go2.lc/trust for the “In God We Trust” Bible Plan using the Bible App.

Love y’all!

Robby Morris
Director of Family Ministry and Facility Management
Andrews UMC