Be Still
I hear this phrase, as my mind races anxiously from one thought to the next. Should I make this move, should I not? Should I begin this new business venture, should I not? Should I seek to further prove my worth or find validation in my place of business, should I not? Should I embark upon this new relationship that is presented before me, or should I not? How can one simply “be still” when such a myriad of decisions await your answers? But yet, I keep hearing that distinct soft voice that whispers, “Be still.” You see, the challenge is that this can be very situational for me. On one hand, there are those things that I just naturally trust God with -like my life- because I know He’s got it…and me…in the palm of His hand. Then there are those times when I find myself like Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory who has her eyes fixated on the golden goose as she screams, “Give it to me now!” The latter reverberates often times. And again, there goes that good ol’ faithful voice saying…
“Be still, and know that I am God.” ~Psalm 46:10
It is in this moment where I stop and respond, “Okay Lord. Besides what you’re saying to me in this moment…what are you teaching me?” That’s when a familiar song comes to heart,
“Be still and know, that I am God…Just trust and know, that I am God…And I’m in control, I am still…God” ~Travis Greene
Looking back, the year 2018 was an eventful year for me, to say the least. Winter was hibernation season, as I prepared to close out my last semester of graduate school. By Spring, a new love interest had sprung. Around the bend was Summer, which marked celebrating another year of life. By late Fall, I was summoned to Seattle to interview for a new job opportunity within my company. By early Winter, I received the promotion and within three months, I found myself settling in the state of Washington as a Seattleite; a dream birthed in 2014 and now my reality. Once arriving to Seattle, I was under the impression that there would be some pieces of the puzzle easier to manipulate as opposed to others; but my assumptions failed to be true. I found myself questioning God and wondering how everything else pertaining to this transition seemed seamless…except for that one piece. I petitioned God a many of days and spent a many of nights not “being still” and trying to make sense of some things that to me just made sense. I remember one Sunday morning entering into a new church and feeling like from start to finish…every prayer prayed, song sang, and word spoken was custom tailored for me. When the service came to a close, the pastor prayed for me -knowing nothing about me- and she said, “I keep hearing be still; God is saying, be still…just be still. God is going to go before you and fight this battle.” All I could do was weep uncontrollably in agreement, because I knew it to be so true.
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” ~Exodus 14:14
A song rang in my spirit…
Through your story is My fingerprint…in the valley, there is confidence. In the shadow, I will be your strength…One thing’s for sure, I am your Lord…Yes I am. I am, I am. Through the chaos, I will be your joy . When you’re finished, I have so much more…In the waiting, I’m an open door…stand still and know, I am your Lord…” ~Travis Greene & Steffany Gretzinger
Oh how this song flooded my soul! Over the course of years and even present day, God has been using the most uncanniest of ways and people alike to remind me of His message to me for this ordained season in my life. You see, being still will cost you; how much are you willing to pay? The fees accrued will be in the areas of patience, faith, trust, and at times excruciating pain, discomfort like none other, much discipline, and self-control. Its losing yourself…crucifying your desires…and letting Him reign in you, because in the end it is promised to work out for your good. I love how the book of Romans shares,
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” ~Romans 8:18
I’ll readily admit, being still is still a work in progress for me. But I’m making strides daily…hourly…”minute-ly”. I have a feeling that in some ways, I will still need Jesus to whisper, “Be still.” But in this moment, standing on the other side of being still and witnessing the manifestation of my prayers, it feels good. I would do it all over again, because through the uncertainties, it has increased my faith, built my trust, and kept me hopeful, knowing that God’s in control -even in the details-and He’s got me. All I need to do is rest in Him and His promises. I am His…and I am loved. With that…BE STILL my soul.