Be Still and Know That I Am God

"Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10

Recently, there have been many distractions in my life.  These distractions have not allowed  me time to "be still" before God.  Here's the truth, though.  I did not make the time for myself, but in taking care of the needs of others for the past few weeks, I have neglected my own spiritual health care.  I can do both, but this time, I just didn't, and so I began to feel overwhelmed.  I totally "got it" that this was not the place God wanted me to be.  He knows my heart.  He is number one in my life.  But, life can get in the way if we are not careful and this was where I found myself. 

Even though I was involved in Bible studies and spent time encouraging others in their faith, I was spiritually used up because I did not take the time to stop and  nourish my own soul.  During this time, I literally longed to be alone with God--just to rest in Him; to breathe in His peace and to feel His presence. Some may not understand where I am coming from, but others will.  It's the longing to be close to our heavenly Father, to come home to His loving arms wrapped around us; to feel the peace and security that only a relationship with Him can bring.

Thanks to my wonderful daughter, I had the opportunity to go away to a retreat with her and some ladies from her church this weekend.  It was a small and intimate group--some very Godly ladies, with whom I felt a connection from the very beginning. The theme was "Being Still Before God", based on Psalm 46:10.

So, on a cool and beautiful weekend in the Hill Country of Central Texas, my daughter, the other ladies and I were able to be still before God. We were able to take time out of the daily rush and grind of the thing we call "life."  We saw that God is so big and acknowledged that our situations or circumstances were so small when it came to His BIG picture.  Because we sometimes have a skewed way of seeing our own circumstances, this time alone with one another and God was a gentle and soft reminder that He loves us beyond measure and is always there to guide and provide.  His loving arms are always open for us to fall into and seek His strength, power, and help.

The song that I have posted below has some powerful words.  During this retreat we listened to it many times,  along with the sound of the ocean.  This was especially meaningful to me because I have always said that there is nothing more therapeutic for me than the sound of waves crashing upon the shore.

This weekend was a peaceful and nourishing time of renewal. May each of you be blessed and take time to "Be still and know that He is God."  Find your own retreat away from the circumstances in your life and get alone with God.  He will meet you there.  I promise you that!!

Prayer:  Father, God, I thank you for this amazing time away that I have had this weekend.  Thank you for the opportunity to be with Shelly; to connect with her heart in this special setting; to share conversation and love as only a mother and daughter can do, and for the time we shared worshiping You.  You are an awesome God!  Bless all of the wonderful ladies that I met.  Each came to the retreat carrying unnecessary baggage that weighed them down.  Life can sometimes do that to us, so please lighten their loads and make them shining examples of Godly women wherever they go.  Thank you for strengthening me. I pray for those reading this post who might be relating to the "busyness" of life, Father, that You would just help them to take the time to be still before You--to think on You.  Show them Your love and your presence.  I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.