I do not sit still long – to watch a movie is a challenge…well I watch it, I’m just not glued. That is the world we live in – demanding movement. Movement means accomplishment, accomplishment equals…worth??
The endless lists call, our minds drawn to what’s next, next, next… Anxiety sets in, what if I don’t get this done, what if I…fail?
The voice of the world, the ruler of this world, the enemy of our soul – always accusing ‘I knew you wouldn’t finish’, ‘You never had the skills to begin with, what were you thinking’, ‘Getting noticed, getting the raise, getting the contract – that means something’… And we fall for it.
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7 NIV)
Still brings slower breathing, slower prayers. Still brings a lap for little ones to sit in, brings a shoulder for loved ones to lean against…
Amazing, the God of the universe who makes each next breath possible doesn’t need us to ‘accomplish’ to make the world better. But He does need us to be still that we can be better for the world. How if I’m so busy in my busyness, running from all the past and all the worries, how can I ever Live Braver if all I have to give is my fixes?
Emily P. Freeman said in her newly released book “People don’t need a fixer, they need a journeyer.” A journeyer – someone to come along side and see how the hand of our Father holds us steady even when the ground around us gives way. A journeyer – someone to sing His praises when our voices falter. Oh, Father, let us not be fixers – for ourselves or others – let us be journeyers… useful in Your hands because we have learned how to be still.
“Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10 NIV)
How will He be exalted if we are the ones getting the attention as we fret over our worth — how will He be exalted? When His children are stilled knowing “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” (Psalm 46:1 NIV)
If you stopped by because you read my devotion over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME! So glad you are here!
living braver 
August 11, 2015 at 10:59 am
Thank you for this … Such timely words for me. Much needed and appreciated!! Gratefully ~ Renee
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August 11, 2015 at 2:37 pm
Thanks, Renee, you’re on my mind these days, maybe because She Speaks just happened recently. Such a lovely friendship we formed, maybe someday we will get to meet up again – I hope! Blessings on all the little and big things you are dealing with…
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August 11, 2015 at 11:09 am
I’ve been on my own journey with God for stillness and balance. I’m one who has long tied my worth and value to what I’m doing – what I’m getting done. But God is teaching me that no amount of busyness either increases or diminishes my value in Him. But stillness before Him only draws me closer to being more like Him. Thanks for the continued encouragement. Your neighbor at #RaRalinkup.
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August 11, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Tiffany, thank you so much for stopping by. Isn’t it amazing how the world tricks us into thinking all our ‘doing’ is all that matters. I pray for both of us that we will enter into His doing and follow His lead. Blessings on the journey…
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August 12, 2015 at 10:07 pm
Paris- loved this- such good thoughts!! How good to think about what being still might bring! This such a challenge for me! Thank you so much for sharing!! blessings to you!!
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August 13, 2015 at 9:14 am
Thanks, Susie, enjoying your art so much, look forward to seeing more of how He’s blessed you with creativity…
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