The Art Of Stillness And Peace

He says, “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

The world we live in sort of honors and rewards busyness or so it seems. How many of us feel guilty if when someone asks us how we are we say "Busy" as if to not be busy means we must be some sort of societal loser or have no value. I have news for you, you are allowed to have some down time and it is okay to just sit on a park bench without a mobile device or book and just be still. 

Try scheduling stillness into your day. Yes I know some careers such as doctors have very little down time but whatever you do whether a stay home mom, a career person, a student, a grandma or grandpa, a teacher, or a myriad of other titles, learn that it is okay to not do anything every now and then. Recently when I waited almost two hours for a doctor appointment I observed others in the large waiting area. Most were occupied on their cell phones. Very few were just sitting there. When you get  busy somehow God gets squeezed out too and that is not a good thing. 

This week make up your schedule or to do list and list quiet time with God and also sit and be still time. Listen to birds, take a walk, or just lie down. Every one needs time to be still. 

PRAYER: I am guilty of feeling like I have to prove my worth by staying constantly busy. Help me learn to sit and be still and do nothing every now and then. Also I never want to allow busyness to push you to the side of things Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Slow Down, Smell The Roses

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 For as long as I can remember I have been told by many people to slow down. My roomie in the Army even got me a book entitled "Slow Me Down Lord". When we rush through everything we can tend to make mistakes, not think things through, be impulsive, or rush to judgement. None of these are a good thing. For those of us who are speedy it is a challenge to slow down. There are many things in life that can be missed if time is not taken to ponder, think, and pray. It is not necessary to make decisions right on the spot. It is often not wise to speak at your first opportunity. Better to stop, think, and pray. I often think today's verse would be ideal for newlyweds to commit to memory for the days and challenges that lie ahead of them. Take inventory of your life. Do you take time to enjoy life? Also do you insure you wait before jumping head over heels into something and weigh the facts and the impact it will have? PRAYER: Slow me down Lord. Help me to learn to appreciate the beauty of your world. I especially need to ponder my words before they pop out of my mouth. Give me your strength Lord. In Jesus' name. Amen.