Cease striving and
know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in
the earth.” (Psalms 46:10 - NASB)
Many versions use the phrase “be still” rather than “cease
striving” but I’m not sure that they have different meanings. I fell prey to
one of those finger puzzles when I was a kid. You know, the little tube made of
straw woven together – you stick a finger from each hand into opposite ends.
Pull as hard as you like, it’s almost impossible to pull your fingers out. If
you relax and gently push your fingers together the puzzle slips off. So, “be
still” or “cease striving,” they both mean the same thing.
Have you ever tried desperately to take control of a
situation or solve a problem only to have a friend or mentor tell you to be
still? It happens during prayer when we are really wrestling with something and
we hear that quiet voice say “stop striving, be still, be quiet – I’ve got
this.”
We tend to struggle with the sovereignty of God when we do
not understand our circumstances, or we feel out of control. The message of
these words brings us into a place of conflict because scripture indicates that
we are to be people of action. But in certain circumstances we are to take no
action other than to trust God.
So, how do we know the difference? If I can be still long
enough to listen for God’s voice I imagine I will know…
During the upcoming holiday season, may we find ourselves in
such a place where we must be quiet and listen. Only there will we find the
meaning and purpose in life we so desperately long for.
Blessings, my human friends,
Elton O. Brooke, Ed. D.
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