What does it mean to be still?

"Many times His voice is a still small voice - a gentle whisper, something barely audible, unless you are listening for it" 

Mark Charles 

I've really enjoyed getting the opportunity to share pictures on this blog over the last several weeks. One of the ways I really connect with the Lord is by listening to music and thinking about how the words in the music connect to the word, and I also like taking pictures of things in His creation. But I thought I'd also share a little bit of what I've been learning as well while I was in Chicago, and in the last few months.

For quite some time, I feel like I've been really challenged with Psalm 46. The entire Psalm acknowledges the sovereignty of God and how He's in control. It talks about God being our "refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble." (v. 1-2) The writer of the Psalm addresses not having fear "though the earth gives way" (v. 3). He can move the mountains (v. 2), and the very sound of His voice makes the earth melt (v. 6).

Then at the very end of this Psalm, God says "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (v. 10) 

In two days I'm going to be leaving Chicago, and my life is going to change a lot as I'll enter into a new stage of life. I admit that I have not trusted God fully with what this means, as my heart has been filled with anxiousness and worry. Especially in the last week, I can sense my heart getting worked up, and my thoughts have not been resting upon Him and the Truth that I know.

A couple months ago I was really challenged with what it really means to be still and just... "be."
Get rid of the noise... get rid of the distractions. Just... be still. So often, I get lost in the world and the distractions of my routine, and stresses of my "stuff." I do this so often that I miss what Jesus is trying to say to me. A lot of the time I miss out on how He's trying to show me He loves me - especially in the little things throughout my day.

Recently, I heard this podcast, and it challenged me greatly.

The best parts are at 43 seconds through 6:26; and 9:44 to the end

Lord, help my heart to be still before you.