“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:1
I’ve spent the past week unable to walk without a cane. At times, the pain in my hip was unbearable. Praying this morning, I asked God to take this cup from me because I have so much to do, so many people who are depending on me.
Closing my eyes, I saw the face of Jesus looking at me with the most moving, tender expression—eyes misty with compassion. And Psalm 46 came to mind: Be still…know that I am God. In those simple words I knew why the Lord was allowing this time of searing pain . . . frustration . . . being restrained in my recliner with the heating pad—it was meant to wrap me with a holy veil. No to do list. No errands or shopping. Nothing for me to do but sit at His feet and listen. He is a jealous God; He is patient and waits for me to come to Him. All I have to do is be still and listen. He’s always listening for my heart’s cry.
So I heard in complete silence this morning,
“Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden. Come to me and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
God is doing a work in me through the pain. My plate is so full I rarely take time just to sit at His feet and worship, seeking rest and peace. I’m so stubborn—a captive of earthly demands—it takes a disabling incident for me to carve out time to spend some quality time alone with Him. Broken shoulder 2006. Brain surgery 2014. Back injury 2016. During the lengthy healing process of each, I had nothing but time. The weeks of resting and healing were times of deeper intimacy and healing, physically and spiritually.
I understand now when James says in his epistle
“Count it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
In 2021, time is our most valuable commodity. Spend it wisely, be filled to overwhelming with deeper love, more wisdom, and understanding than you’ve ever known.
Shalom
By Cindy Snelling