Be Still

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
‭‭- Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Stillness seems to be impossible in this world of chaos and constant movement.

Whether it’s physical movement or mental activity, our society seems to be constantly on the move.

Whether we are physically going from place to place throughout the day or our minds are shifting back and forth between what needs to get done, how to accomplish our goals, and when we can relax, we often find ourselves in a state of disorientation.

I don’t know about you, but the moment I wake up, I find myself doing something. Prayer, getting ready for the day, getting the kids ready, making time for family walks, cooking meals, homeschooling, working, spending time with my husband, reading with the kids, devotion time, laundry, church, field trips, family visits, doctor visits, and the list goes on.

If you, too, find yourself having a hard time “being still”, this post is for you.

The moment I realized how little I spent on physical and mental rest was after a hospitalization.

About 4 months ago, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that had been plaguing my body for almost a year.

This disease zapped my strength, energy, and ability to do daily tasks, but I thought it was just me being tired due to the stage of life I was in.

Little did I know that I was struggling with a disease that has no cure.

After multiple scans, procedures, and hospitalizations, I was finally diagnosed and had to spend weeks resting.

My body was no longer able to move the way I wanted it to, and I had to rely on the strength of Jesus and the help of the important people in my life.

Friends brought us meals for weeks.

Our family looked after our children during the times I was in and out of the hospital.

My wonderful husband took over all of the household duties, took care of our children, and worked two jobs while taking me back and forth to the hospital.

Our empathetic children took on extra chores to help around the house.

All the while, I was in and out of sleep or too weak and in pain to hold myself up.

I can’t tell you how hard it was to sit back and watch others take care of what was supposed to be my job.

Then the Lord brought the idea of this post to mind.

I was taking on too much on my own because I felt it was my job. All of this pressure led to exhaustion, stress, and loss of joy.

God doesn’t want us to live life this way.

“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.”
– ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭34‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

This verse says, “[even] in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.”

Yes, that means even when life seems to be at its busiest, we must rest.

Even God rested after creating this amazingly beautiful, glorious world.

“And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.”
‭‭- Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

We are called to lean on Christ, not on ourselves.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭- Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

As I write this post, I have just found out that I am in remission!

After finding out this news, I was brought to tears of joy. Not only because the Lord brought me through what seemed like hell and high water, but He was also my strength through it all.

From the first time I was admitted to the hospital, when I felt like I couldn’t move, I remember praying and suddenly feeling strength that was not my own.

To the times I felt like giving up on the doctors as they frantically threw out different possibilities and treatments at me.

To the times I was in tears as I saw shocking lab results and watched my hair fall out.

God was there. He was my strength. He lifted me up.

My body forced me to rest. Forced me to call out to my Savior for His strength and healing.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
‭‭- Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭29‬ ‭NKJV‬

I give you my testimony today because God is good ALL the TIME.

If you’re struggling with a disease, mental or emotional strain, or just feel burdened, find hope in God’s word. Be still and lean into Him.

He does not lie. He is faithful.

“God isn’t a mere human. He can’t lie. He isn’t a human being. He doesn’t change his mind. He speaks, and then he acts. He makes a promise, and then he keeps it.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭23‬:‭19‬ ‭NIRV‬‬

“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
‭‭- Proverbs‬ ‭30‬:‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬