"Be still..."

Have you been to an Endodontis for a root canal? How about to an Ophthamologist for surgery of the eye? If you have been through a medical procedure that required your stillness, you can than relate to the stillness referred to in verse 10 of Psalm 46, when God says "Be still, and know that I am God." Only that at this time, the stillness required is the stillness of your spirit. Though the circumstances or trails may seem uncomfortable, and at times painful, he is performing something miraculous WITHIN you. Stop squirming!

I admit, no one cares to subject themselves to any type of medical procedure, especially when pain is involved. But nevertheless, we can all agree that if done well, we are much happier for it. Same goes with your inner being, your soul, your heart; where you shelter and hide everything that makes who you are. The good, the bad, the right, the wrong. It is there where God needs to perform his "operation." Do not postpone this much needed divine procedure. Do not try to avoid the inevitable. For you will only delay the process of healing and transformation that will bring you closer to your purpose. Instead, why don't you embrace it as an opportunity for God to show up!

"Be still and know that I am God" says the Lord. Be still and get to know him as your...whatever the need be...Healer, Deliverer, Redeemer, Savior, Protector, Provider, Peace Maker, Defender, etc. Be still, and know Him!

How to Fight the Battle

But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you! 
2 Chronicles 20:17

     Wow! I am completely overtaken by God's unique strategy on "How to Fight the Battle." Leave it to Him to devise a plan to grant us victory without fighting. Talk about the "element of surprise". I've broken the verse down by segments, hoping you can see the steps needed to obtain the victory in your battle:

1. Take your position: Know your place as God's creation, a child of Light!
2. Stand still: Have discipline, and complete trust in God's word for your life!
3. Watch the Lord's victory: Observe and learn from the Lord of Hosts!
4. Do not be afraid or discouraged: Have faith in your Heavenly Father!
5. Go out there!: Do what you were created to do!

     First thing is first: Do not mistaken not needing to fight, with not being needed. God wants us to get involved. His instructions are clear and precise; "Take your position" He commands. But in order for us to do that we need to know what our position is. Take our position, assume our role, know our place, fulfill the purpose for which we were created. As children of the Light, we are expected to shine, and show others the Way, no matter the circumstances; even in battle.

     I love it, when He says "Stand still". What? Standing still in the midst of a battle requires complete trust in the person that is commanding us to do so. It also requires discipline. It is very hard to stand still, when every logical brain cell you have is yelling "duck and cover". Our survival instinct wants to "run and hide" or "attack". But stand still, never.


     It gets better! The reason that we are instructed to "stand still" is so that we do not miss a single maneuver of the "Lord's victory". In other words, observe and learn from the Master in action. Pay attention to what the Lord is doing on your behalf..."Be still and know that I am God". Absolutely Amazing!


     We are not just going to stand and watch, but we are to do it with complete certainty. We will NOT be afraid or discouraged. Our attitude as we take our position, stand still and watch, should reflect our trust in the Lord. We will not be distracted by fear nor discouragement. We will not allow our faith and trust to waiver, for He is faithful!


     Lastly, "go out there tomorrow!" Let's do what we were created to do. Let's light up the world as we fulfill the Lord's purpose in our life. Let's show the world that our Lord is All, that our Lord is in control, that our Lord is with us!

The God who knows me fully, loves me still!

A few years ago, I read this sentence in a book by Angela Thomas. (I had to add the exclamation point because it shook the very foundation of my soul.) Well,  here we are in 2023 and bam! There's the statement again, "The God who knows me fully, loves me still."

I have to say something about this or I will burst. Do you know that feeling? I need to break it down.

1. God who is ALL KNOWING: The God I can't hide a single thing; not my actions, not my words, not even my thoughts.
2. God who KNOWS ME FULLY: The God that knows ME completely, in and out, every aspect of my life.
3. God who LOVES ME STILL: It is this same God that knowing everything there is to know about me, loves me still. What? I think I'm hyperventilating. (Breathe Lilly, breathe...) He loves me? Lilly? With all my imperfections, limitations, faults...sins? Its, almost, unbelievable. But its true! John 3:16 testifies to that. Wow!

I can sincerely say with a grateful heart and in awe: OH MY GOD! For He belongs to me as I belong to Him.  For it is His love for me that makes this relationship even possible. I stand amazed before His presence today. Will you join me?

"May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." (Ephesians 3:19 NLT)