Be Still and Know I am God!

In the present age, information travels in nanoseconds, our inboxes are flooded and with smart phones we literally have the world in our hands. We are overwhelmed and are drowning from information overload. Whether its news of tragedies, acts of nature, political fundraising, chain letters, work documents, a note from a loved one, or the all important Face book post – all at once we have become: preoccupied with; desensitized to; and addicted to information.

Yet, like everything else more of (information) has not equaled more knowledge, more compassion, more hope, more power or more faith.  Our culture continues wallowing in hatred, indifference, ignorance, powerlessness and suffering.  Information and technology, for all their benefits are often more distractive, deleterious and dissenting.   So what are we to do? 

The Psalmist (Psalm 46) using imagery of an influx of troubles and challenges ranging from natural disasters, political unrest and wars invites us to consider our only assurance: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble". But, we've become so dependent on technology and so reactive to the troubles of life that we've drifted from our only assurance in life.

One might question, how can I experience God’s assurance: (1) when I'm unable to decipher the deluge of information received; and (2) when it seems trouble consumes every aspect of life? It seems in our complicated, fast paced technology-driven culture, we have overlooked the wisdom of Psalm 46:10 exhorting us:

"Be still and know I am God".

Although, stillness, withdrawal from distractions, and quietness are all antithetical to our present age these actions provide us a path to the only assurance in this life and the life to come. Through stillness, we open the door to knowing God! Being still affords us the opportunity to hear the persistent knocks of God which; henceforth, have been underwhelming, suffocated by our addiction to technology and disillusionment from the troubles of life. 

Why “Be Still”?

When one is still, attentiveness, awareness and acceptance are attributes describing their posture.  Attentiveness enables us to discern and hear God’s voice and directions.  Awareness provides us clarity of thought as we put in perspective our troubles and use of technology. Acceptance allows to embrace the reality of the presence of God; moreover, now knowing God we cling to the power of God. In stillness, we prepare ourselves for attentiveness, awareness and acceptance which guide us to our only assurance:

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”.  

Can you remember a time(s) disconnecting from all technology – radio, t.v., cell phones, internet and any iGadgets?  As you practice stillness and experience attentiveness, awareness and acceptance, these words will bring you peace, comfort and hope:

“Be still, and know that I am God!

I am exalted among the nations,

I am exalted in the earth.”

Much Love,

Pastor Singleton