Devotional Thought to Start the Week

Stand Still (Psalms 46:10)

Over the last couple of weeks, I found myself thinking a lot about all that’s going wrong in the world. And I noticed that the more my attention focused on what the Temptations referred to as a “ball of confusion” the more I began to fantasize about self-preservation strategies. “If this happens, I’m going to respond this way…Before this happens, I need to be prepared.” In the midst of worrying about scenarios beyond my control, I began to tune out what God was saying. When everything seems to be heading in the wrong direction, that’s when we (the people of God) need to remember and lean into what He has spoken in His Word. The Lord said in Psalms 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God!” That’s right. In times when it seems like you should be doing all that you can, I want you to do nothing but know that I am God. This was the same instruction that the Hebrews received from Moses when they began to take issue with his leadership. As Pharaoh and his army inched closer to taking them back into captivity, the Hebrews began to panic. They questioned Moses’ wisdom. In their minds, it would have been better to remain in bondage than free in the unknown. With all of the chaos and drama surrounding him, how did Moses respond? He didn’t panic. He didn’t second guess himself for doing what the Lord had commanded him to do. He calmly instructed the Hebrews (Exodus 14:13) to “don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.”

Although things are haywire around you, don’t lose your composure. Don’t spend your time in the presence of God bitter and second guessing what He had told you to do just because things are hard right now. Don’t allow your problems to stop your praise. Don’t let your trials impede your trust. God has already dispatched your deliverance. It’s on the way! All that you have to do today is stand still and know that He is God. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? The worship that we offer God today provides our genuine response to this question. Since I know that God is a healer, I can stand and give Him praise despite the sickness that I feel in my body! Since I know that God is a provider, I can stand and lift up my hands even when I’m unsure how the bills are going to be paid! Since I know that God is my peace, I can stand and trust Him although storms are raging around me! There’s nothing too hard for the Lord. If you believe that today, I dare to praise Him and bless His name with your best despite what you’re going through.

Posted By: Rev. Arthur L. Wilson