Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Be Still? Right.

When was the last time you invited God's Holy Spirit to guide your day? Too often, I forget to do it. But this morning, as I tried to start my day, I lifted my voice to heaven and asked what I was supposed to do. My project list is getting longer by the day and my ability to concentrate has been compromised lately.

Then here is the devotional verse today from an old devotional book I use. Psalm 46:10:
"Be still and know that I am God."

"But I don't want to be still, God," I protested. "I have so much writing and other things to do."

Then I read more: "How often have we thought and said 'I have so much to do, I do not know how I will ever get it all done!' But then have we analyzed what we have to do and why we have to do it?"

Ok. I got the message. It was time to be still, rest, and let God take care of my list of projects. My body is tired and my mind was feeling the effects of it. But I was obedient and didn't push the day.

It's a good thing God can make up for lost time.

8 comments:

  1. Hi there, I related to so much to this post-so often I forget to ask the Spirit what I'm to do.
    I have always found when I give the Lord the first of my day, my hour, etc etc He always lengthens my time and helps me to accomplish that which He desires.
    Thank you for sharing-such a good reminder.

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  2. This is such a good reminder for me. I need to take more time to be still.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  3. Oh girl, I SO relate to this. As I posted last month, I often say, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know you're God, but when are you gonna....[fill in the blank]", to which He always said "ah, ah, ah....You're NOT BEING STILL!!!" with the finger wagging (I picture it in my head as I type this). I'm finding that learning to be still is a lifelong lesson ... do we ever really learn it? .... I hope one day to master! But you're right Jan, it's amazing how things just start to unfold or become more clear....and somehow it does just seem that time slows down somehow! It's a God-thing!!!

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  4. Noreen and Karen,
    I thought the older I got the less this would be an issue for me! that's why we have each other - to bring remembrance.

    Merana, there is being still and then there is being patient in the stillness. Who said following God was a piece of cake????

    thanks gals

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  5. Hi Jan! This is so great. I really like what you said about being still...sometimes I just want to do do do do do. Anyway, question for you: My publisher is putting together a list of bloggers to send advance copies of my book to. I know it's not really your genre, but since you have such a great message for Christian women, I wondered if you'd be interested in getting a copy. If so, send me your address at erin@christianmamasguide.com and I'll get you on the list. No pressure!

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  6. Thank you...
    It is so true. I have been recently reminded that regardless of what I want, what I need to do is commit my day to Him and do what He wants. Oh, to be still and listen, to put Him and His will ahead of my own.
    A friend recently reminded me that at the end of the day what we need to ask ourselves is did we plant any seeds for the Kingdom, did we do what He asked us to do? And if so then it was a good day.

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  7. Great reminder! The Lord has used this verse with me too many times to count. Do you think I struggle with patience?! Thanks for sharing! God bless!

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  8. Oh, wow, my post today is about this very issue. I called it Nothin' Doin'. I once read where Charles Wesley said, "I find I have so much to do in each day that I must spend at least two hours in prayer to get it all done." What a great perspective! When we put the Lord first, He always helps us get our jobs done, or shows us what to eliminate.

    Great post, dear friend.

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