Be Still

Jennifer Fletcher

Be still, and know that I am God
Psalm 46 NIV

I love Christmas time! The lights, decorating the tree, time with family - and it has become especially magical in recent years with having young children. Discovering little “Leffe” the Elf who goes to the north pole every night and then reappears in a different spot in the lounge each morning… except the night he got stuck in the plant pot!

Starkly contrasting with the joys of advent and Christmas, is the deep sadness and concern at the fragile and war torn contexts of so many other families & individuals around the world. Those who we know, and perhaps even ourselves, who are struggling with grief and loss, financial pressures, and family dynamics.

As Christmas has drawn near, and I have been sat in more & more traffic, and in light of all that is happening in the world, I thought this version of Psalm 46 from the Message was a timely perspective.

Attention, all! See the marvels of God!
He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee.
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”
Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.
Psalm 46:8-11 MSG

For many of us at this time of year life can feel very busy, pressured, and noisy.

In the midst of work and family life and as someone who is more of a “Martha” than a “Mary” (Luke 10:38-42), I find it very difficult to ‘be still’ on any level! I have to be very intentional to set some time in my week aside to simply be still and know that He is God, to take a long loving look at God, or it simply does not happen.

Sometimes I drive to a scenic spot and sit in the car for 15 minutes after the school run, mostly it’s as I drive around North Yorkshire for work, having a time of silence instead of putting the radio on. Simply being intentional in acknowledging that God is present with me in the stillness & enjoying his creation around me.

How do you experience this season?
What are the moments that you are grateful for and cause you to fee most alive?
What are the challenges and the things that drain you?

Where and when could you take some time this week to remember to:
“Be still and know that I am God”?