November 13, 2003
Encouragement for Today
Be Still!
Wendy Pope
Key Verse:
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Devotion:
It is easy to over commit ourselves. It is easy to get so caught up in the busyness of daily life that we have no time to sit down at the feet of Jesus and know Him. He wants to help us each day successfully carry out the tasks before us. After all, He is God and the answer to every need. He knows the places we will go before we get there.
I tend to forget the simple concept of being still before God. I get so involved in planning and organizing my time and tasks for the day that I often do not even include God. I seem to forget that He is my Father and cares about every detail of my life. One day, God used the frustration of a trapped hummingbird to remind me that I MUST be still.
I had deadlines to meet, lunches to pack, carpool to run, and choir practice to attend. As I stepped out of my door into the garage I heard the high pitched squeal of a hummingbird. This delicate fowl had somehow managed to get trapped in my garage. Despite the rather obvious and large opening of the door, the bird could not find its way out. Frustrated and bruised from the beating he was giving himself by flying into the wall and the window, he perched on a shelf to catch his breath and I suspect, rethink his plan of escape.
My heart ached for the little bird. I prayed, “Lord, help this bird get out.” I decided to intervene by holding a broom under the perched bird, in hopes that he would step onto the broom and allow me to carry him to freedom. But despite all of my efforts, the bird became increasingly anxious and frustrated. He desperately wanted to escape but was obviously frightened of the path that I had planned for him.
I began to see myself in this bird - caught up in the “captivity of activity.” Like the petite hummingbird, I had been flying around in the circles, along the same useless paths knocking my head against the same old wall. I had been unwilling to accept the freedom that was mine for the asking and give up control to the Provider of that freedom. I had become anxious about everything and frustrated with everyone around me. Immediately, I fell under conviction and asked the Lord to forgive me for thinking that I could handle my life better than He could.
With tears in my eyes I noticed the bird perched again. I decided to make one last attempt at freeing him. This time, without any hesitation, almost falling on the broom, this kindred spirit allowed me to carry him to freedom.
Although our Father will take us just as we are, it is not His desire for us to come to Him tired and worn out like this little hummingbird. He wants to assist us in the “planning and the organizing” of our day. He knows what you will be facing and longs to prevent you from “banging” your head against the wall. Just like the exhausted hummingbird fell onto to the broom and allowed me to rescue him, won’t you fall into the open arms of your heavenly Father and allow him to rescue you? He is waiting.
My Prayer for Today:
Father, help me today to be still before I begin to get busy in the activity of the day, to spend just a few quiet minutes alone with You. I recognized that You are my source of strength. You are the rock on which I stand. Forgive me for failing to tap into that strength and for thinking You could not possibly help me with these “small” things. I acknowledge You to be big enough to help me with the small problems I face today and everyday after. Amen.
Application Steps:
Write a list of all the things you need to do in order of importance.
Read this list out loud to the Lord.
Review your list and determine what you can delegate to someone else.
Ask God to help you accomplish these in His order of importance.
Ask God to relieve you from guilt and frustration if the list is not completed.
Reflection Points:
What things am I doing that are preventing me from completing my responsibilities? (i.e. talking on the phone, watching TV.)
What can I do to make my load lighter?
How much time to I give God each day?
What is the heart motive behind my frantic activity?
Why am I afraid of silence?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. (NLT)
Matthew 10:30-31 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV)
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. (NIV)
Habakkuk 2:20 The LORD is in his Holy Temple; all the earth should be silent in his presence. (NCV)
Exodus 14:13 Don’t be afraid! Stand still and see the Lord save you today. (ICB)
Additional Resources:
Wise Words for Moms by Ginger Plowman
http://wwwgospelcom.net/p31/resources/wisewords.html
Who Holds the Key to your Heart by Lysa Terkeurst
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/key.html
Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids by Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/greatmom.html
Originally published Thursday, 13 November 2003.
SHARE
