Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10

Does the imperative “Be Still” sound strange to you in this 21st century?  Being still, or stillness with an alert mind, is not something that’s included in today’s world. There is almost no stillness in our weekly activities, and certainly none in the clamour in which we live, work and play. The prevailing motto in our time seems more like “the faster—the louder—the better!”  How contrary this is to Psalm 46, shown above, where the psalmist calls us to “Be still and know that I am God.”

God in His infinite wisdom knows that being still is good for our physical well-being, and even more important for our spiritual well-being.  I think you will agree that, instinctively at least, most of us know it too. I hope you found time to rest your body, put your feet up, and slow your pace over the summer months.

With the coming of autumn life is quickly returning to the former frenzied pace, so I urge you to include time to be still.  Coming to worship is a perfect time to be still before God.  There, with our minds open and attentive, God can speak to us – replace the uncertainties of our lives with His peace – ease the cares and concerns we carry – give us hope for the future – and fill our lives with certain knowledge that we are forever wrapped in His loving arms, despite what life hands us.

Pastor Diane McPherson