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Be still and know that I am God
by Sharnessa Shelton Be still, and know that I am God [NKJ] Psalm 46:10 I once heard someone say that every morning when you wake up, Jesus is sitting right there, waiting just to be with you. I was incredibly impacted by that. The thought that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is every morning awaiting me, to listen to me, to tell me so many things, and wants me to get to know Him is just overwhelming! I heard that quite a while ago now, and I think I need to let that picture penetrate my heart once again. It's one of those things that are totally impacting; yet you forget about it after a while. But what a total honor and what a phenomenal thought that Jesus is passionately awaiting time with ME! With YOU! So if He's there, then what gets in the way sometimes of having intimate times with Him? It's me, my busy-ness, and my decisions! There are days when I get so caught up in "life" that I zoom straight past Him - the GIVER of life, maybe give Him a couple requests, and am on my way "getting on" with my day! What is that about?! It basically boils down to being my decision, my obedience to "be still." A phrase I heard recently in a sermon totally hit me, even though it's so obvious, "You can be as intimate with God as you want to be." That means it's in my hands. He's already made the move, so it's now my responsibility to take that step towards Him. Now, does that seem like pressure or what?! A bit heavy? Well, believe it or not, obedience simply starts with taking one step at a time. Maybe some of the following things can give you some ideas of where to start. I've found that a lot of what has helped me to get into the habit of spending time with Jesus have been very practical things: Try to wind down! (Be still, it's so important to try and put everything aside and fully focus of Him.) Try to get a good night's sleep so you can wake up early enough to spend time with Him. Use a Bible translation that's most relevant to you, and perhaps use a daily devotional - it's always encouraging and challenging to read thoughts from people who are walking close to Jesus. Something else of importance to me is where I spend time with Him! What I love, as silly as this may sound, is to sit on the couch in the living room, and open the curtains so the morning light shines through the window! It's so much more inspiring and motivating than sitting on my bed where I far too easily drift back off into dreamland! (Do whatever it takes to stay awake! Whether that be showering first thing, grabbing some breakfast, opening a window, you name it!) Also, get yourself a journal and write down the things that He shows you during your quiet times. It's so awesome to have something to go back to down the road and see how far you've come! Also, a saying I love sums up another reason I love to journal, "Words matter: write to learn what you know." When you write the things that God is teaching you, it helps to reinstate them in your mind, and He ends up revealing even more things to you! It's so cool! And remember that praying is simply talking to and listening to God! I guarantee that you will NOT regret setting aside this time for Him. I can totally feel when I haven't been with Jesus. I notice my attitude isn't what it should be, and there tends to be a slight gloom about the day. But, I have found time and again that when I start my day with Him, the rest of my day has SUCH a difference to it. Like no matter what I face, whether it's incredible, normal, or if it's a bummer, there's a confidence I have, just knowing that He's right there with me. I have a completely different attitude towards everything I face. Again, none of this is meant to be a burden! It's supposed to be the simplest thing ever! Just talk with Him! Walk with Him! Listen to Him! And expect that He will show Himself to you! (And remember that He speaks in so many ways!) He's always there! And He's waiting for you, so what are you waiting for?!?! ------------------------------------------------ |
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