Be still!

Racing. That’s how I would describe my mind at this time of the year. As the calendar fills up and the to-do list grows longer, my thoughts are bulging with details and logistics of preparations for Christmas. Even my prayer time seems to be a fast-paced recital of the usual topics of family, nation, schools, etc., leaving the feeling that something is missing.

That’s when Psalm 46:10 is appropriate: “Be still (Some translations say “Cease striving.”) and know that I am God.” I like to re-write it as “Be STILL and know that GOD is God.” But this does not come easily to me. If something needs to be done, I like to be doing something about it and have everything under control. This verse says “Stop! You are not in charge. God is!” And that can be a challenge! Being still and thinking about God helps put everything in proper perspective.

Before tackling the to-do list and even the prayer list, it is worth spending a few minutes to focus solely on God and His character and His promises. It doesn’t matter whether you are at work, waiting in a doctor’s office, in a car or at home. First you need to calm your body and mind. Deep breathing signals your body to relax and this will help to slow down your thoughts as well. Set your to-do list and prayer concerns aside while you rest and meditate on God’s Word. (Remember, Psalm 46:10 says that God is God, not you!) The Psalms are a good place to look for helpful verses. Read one verse slowly and let it sink in. (Or possibly there is a special verse you have memorized.) It could describe God’s character, such as Psalm 86:5, “For you, Lord, are good and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You,” or one of God’s promises. (“For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.” Jeremiah 31:25) And there are plenty of verses with practical advice, for example, “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” (John 6:27) Here are some others you may find helpful:

Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.
Psalm 94:19 When the cares of my heart are many, Thy consolations cheer my soul.
Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me.
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.
1 John 4:9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.

In this busy pre-Christmas season, slow down your body and your mind and allow yourself to draw strength from God’s Word. Bring God’s Word to the inside, and it will make a difference on the outside.

For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good. Psalm 107:9

This week, instead of trying to run through a series of strengthening exercises, select just one and focus on doing it with proper form. Above and to the right you can access a list of postings. (Click on Blog Archive and then a month to see the exercises in that month.)

Is there one area of your body that you feel needs extra attention? Does your posture or alignment need improving? If so, choose the back extension, pull head back, or squeeze shoulder blades. If you want to strengthen your legs, select the exercise for your knees or your hamstrings. To firm your abdominals, click here. If you have access to a pool, go and water walk or do some cross country skiing while meditating on a verse you have memorized. (Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any exercises.)

Focusing on one exercise and doing it well will strengthen your body and give you a sense of accomplishment while nourishing your soul with God’s Word.