As I sat in Panera Bread recently, I had books, a computer, and a Bible spread over two tables. Panera is the place where I like to write the final draft of messages. As I sat there, I felt pressured to get the job done! Before leaving the restaurant, I needed to finish a blog, finish preparing for a group I teach, and finish three messages for a conference in the New England area. Time was of the essence.
In the back corner of Panera is where I hide out, because in the back corner, there is much less distraction. Before studying, I usually put in my ear pods and listen to a couple of Christian songs so I can settle before the Lord. This really does help with the transition from natural thinking to supernatural thinking.
As I was listening to a worship song that day, I began to heavily sense God’s presence, so I played the song again. I kept sensing this was a moment with the Divine. My brain was reminding me of all the work I needed to finish. My spirit kept saying, “Do not rush out of God’s presence.” I lowered my head and quietly revered the presence of Almighty God. All that work would be there later, but this moment of sensing the overwhelming presence of God would not be. That encounter with God lasted over an hour, and I was so refreshed, and got all the work done. It was like my pen was anointed as the words poured out.
“How are you doing?” When I ask people that question, the number one answer by far is, “I am busy. So much on my plate right now.” Does that describe you?
There is so much temptation around us, temptation to sin against God. As believers we certainly want to be on guard to not surrender to sinful temptations. Yet, we fall for a different kind of temptation, the temptation of being too busy to sit with God.
Most of us have heard or read the verse Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” Have you ever read the whole chapter and really looked at the context? Context, context, context! Context teaches us so much.
The Psalmist begins by reminding himself and us that God is a refuge (a place to escape for safety) and a very present help. Finishing my messages is a good thing, but it is not my refuge. Having enough money in the bank can be a good thing, but it is not my refuge. Alcohol might numb reality for a brief time, but it is not a refuge. None of these things or other things around us are a place of refuge. All of them will fold at some point, BUT GOD is a refuge and a very present (right now) help always.
The Psalmist continues by envisioning earth, mountains, and waters in an uproar all at the same time. If you were to find yourself in a situation in which all this was happening at once, you would be terrified. And yet – even if this terrible combination of events were to be taking shape around us – you and I can feel the strength and the help of our God who is our refuge in times of distress.
The writer tells us that the remedy is to tell your busy, worried, chaotic emotions to be still! Be still fear. Be still worry. Be still anxiety. Be still perfection. Be still overachiever. All of you emotions, be still because I am sitting with my Refuge. Do not casually read over this. Ponder it. Practice it.
Honoring God’s presence will cause us to realize peace in the midst of stress. Do not rush to the next thing. Be still.