Be still...

A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, "Don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" ~ Mark 4: 37-40

That moment when you want God to notice you're struggling and you cry out, "Can't you see I'm struggling here!?!"

"Yes... now be calm."

Oh the lessons we learn when we struggle, and to think that God is not aware!

I often cringe when I hear someone say, "It's God's plan." I tell you, God must have planning meetings all the time. Our nature is to want to not only give God credit, but sometimes also blame, when things don't turn out as we had expected or hoped.

Be still and know that I am God is the part of scripture that we seem to overlook when we are busy crying out for God's help.

When we struggle with life, circumstances, or even making up our mind, the first thing we should be attempting to do is to be calm and allow God to be present.

It's funny, in the boat that day the storm arose, Jesus was resting, and the Disciples were fretting!

They didn't even hardly wait for God to have a chance, instead they demanded results now!

The presence of God exists always. Our presence of mind and God's power seems to disconnect when we forget to be still.

Praying that peace be present so that God's presence may be a real priority.

God, You hear what I am saying;
You see what I dream.
My only hope is for You to keep listening;
You're the only One whom I can trust.
At dawn I begin to search my soul for words of warmth;
when I rise I want to praise You.
You are pained by my mistakes,
for nothing unloving can reside in You.
Ignorance cannot measure up to You.
Those who oppress others shall
bear Your displeasure.
My role shall be that of a worshiper
celebrating Your love;
in gratitude I will turn my face to the 
cross and altar.
God, lead me in Your steps of goodness;
may the road lead me in straight paths.
Embark, all who bear witness to the love of God, celebrate with me.
Hosanna!  Hosanna!
You embrace us all;
may we all find complete happiness
in You.
To all those who embrace love,
You give happiness.
Your love is stronger than
tempered steel.

Stay in God's Grip!

The poem written by G. Todd Williams, from the book, "Let Us Pray: Reformed Prayers fro Christian Worship", Martha S. Gilliss, Editor, Geneva Press, Copyright 2002

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017