Be still, and know that I am God. I will
be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!1
Living
in a coastal town, it is not uncommon to drive along the beach and see surfers
out on the waves in the early morning or even at sunset. It is even less
uncommon to see those surfers just sitting out there, seemingly just floating
along, but in reality they are waiting. Waiting for a little wind to stir up the
water and catch the perfect wave. There is a lot of waiting when it
comes to surfing and moments of stillness are required. Many of those surfers will
remain in the water until they are satisfied that they have caught the best
wave possible for that day. But many others out there, being inexperienced or
just impatient, will rush at any wave they see in an effort to be the first to
catch a wave, any wave. After spending
the day paddling out to wave after wave, they become tired, and when suddenly “the big one” comes, they no longer have any energy left to catch the wave that
was meant to be caught.
Trying
to live out your abundant life in Jesus can feel a lot like surfing. Instead of
being still and waiting on “the big one” " the gift that God might have in
store for us, we swim around, paddling from ministry to ministry serving
wherever we can, trying to find God's blessing. Eventually we begin to feel
tired, leaving us without enough energy to catch the gift that God has prepared
just for us. In John 15, Jesus uses the word “remain” several times. Not
perform, nor impress, just remain. A word that means “stay” or “be still”. Stop
your frantic efforts to please God with your deeds and focus all your energy
into waiting on His time, remaining in Word, being still in His presence. The
waves in life are uncertain, but God is steadfast. Be still and wait: the big
one is coming!
Suggested
prayer: Dear God, the excitement of serving you can sometimes have me chasing
small waves of blessings, when I know that you have something great in store
for me. Help me to be still and wait for your timing and your will in my life.
What you have planned for me is so much bigger than anything I can reach on my
own. I want to remain close to and in your presence daily. In the name of Jesus I pray,
Amen.
1. Psalm 46:10 (NIV).
Today’s
Encounter was written by: Veronica B.