"A Still Heart"
The most seemingly still objects actually move at rates of speed beyond our ability to fathom, whether in their atomic and subatomic structure, or in their place on a revolving planet that hurtles through a solar system, which races within a galaxy flying through space at incalculable pace. Against the backdrop of such frenetic frenzy, Scripture calls us to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
This command can only be directed to our innermost spiritual being. All other aspects of our being cannot be still, by the nature of physical reality. Implied in such truth is the blessed promise that regardless of what may be occurring in our lives, a heart at rest is possible through the Lord Jesus Christ. The busiest believer can nevertheless live in stillness of spirit. The most distressed Christian can know the peace of God as his or her "very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). Obeying the command to "be still" involves not posture, circumstance, situation, or condition, but rather God's presence, His truth, and our response thereunto.
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee" (Isaiah 26:3).
Note the Keeper - "Thou". Note the promise - "perfect peace". Note the process - "mind stayed on Thee". Note the response - "he trusteth in Thee". Most of all, remember this is the assurance of the God who "cannot lie" (Titus 2:1). Thus, we must believe peace to be possible "though the earth be removed and the mountains be cast into the sea" (Psalm 46:2). Let us also not make the mistake of misdirecting our focus regarding the truth of this promise. The primary issue lies not in whether we possess the requisite faith to know God's peace. Often when believers ponder the assurances of God's Word, we are tempted to think, "Oh that just can't apply to me. I am not devoted and trusting enough to experience such grace!" This is the precisely the wrong response to Biblical truth, which calls us not to focus on our faith, but rather on the Divine faithfulness that leads to genuine trust and devotion. "In Thy light shall we see light" (Psalm 36:9). To know peace in the midst of rapidly moving storm, wind, and wave involves looking to the Lord Jesus who so knew His Father's promise that He napped during a violent Sea of Galilee tempest (Mark 4:35-39). A still heart ensues from remembering and affirming God's perfectly trustworthy heart, in the light of His Word: "God is faithful… Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (I Corinthians 1:9; Romans 10:17).
On the roiled seas of a fallen world ever racing in frenetic frenzy, nothing compares to a heart at rest. And this, my dear brothers and sisters, is precisely what God promises to you and me at all times, and in all things. Including this moment, whatever our lives may involve. This we must believe, first because God is true, and then because knowing that God is God provides our only hope for stillness and its wondrous blessing of peace in the Lord Jesus.
"Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:6-7)
Weekly Memory Verse
O the depths of both the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!
(Romans 11:33).
5802
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