Still

The word still seems to be the word I am to focus on today. While in my quiet time this morning I felt God telling me to be still. So I sat and offered this simple prayer: “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” After what seemed like an eternity, I picked up my bible and began reading where I had left off many weeks ago in the book of Psalms. I read thirteen chapters and froze when I read these words “Be still and know that I AM God.” Psalms 46:10 I lowered the bible to my lap and did as I was instructed, I sat still. While sitting, a recent conversation with our son came to mind. He asked “Momma, how do you hear God’s voice? How do you know when God is talking?” I told him that often times God speaks in a “still small voice” or even a whisper (1 Kings 19:12) a sound that is in our mind and not where others can hear. Other times, God uses His word, the bible, to provide just the words of encouragement we need to read at that exact moment in time. I told Andrew that for me personally, God speaks to me often times through music. I can remember one time I prayed that I would hear God speak and that his voice would be in surround sound, so I wouldn’t miss his voice. A few moments later, hundreds of birds squawked and fluttered by making such a loud noise. The sound was deafening and I actually shouted at the birds. No sooner as I had yelled, I realized that was God talking to me just as I had requested in surround sound. The phone rings interrupting my thoughts. Normally, I would let the call go to voicemail, but noting the early hour, I know it is my husband. He has bad news regarding his job. I turn the phone off and grasp our calendar and pray “Lord, I’m going to just be still and remember you are God.” I return to my writing and see the book I am currently reading Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. The word Still in the title grabs my attention. The subtitle reads “What Happens When You Dare To Ask God For The Impossible.” Steven Furtick wrote an entire book on one small yet powerful prayer in Joshua 10:12 “O sun, stand still…” God answered that bold and audacious prayer! This morning I sat still, remembering who He is, the Great I AM. The God who has the power to part the Red Sea. The God who has personally proven to me he not only listens to my prayers, but He answers me also. Sometimes he answers by a gentle whisper or squawking birds. Other times I have had to boldness to pray audacious prayers and he answers with an earthquake (See post from 8/23/12). In my prayer journal I offer another audacious prayer of provision for my beloved. Now, I sit still and wait, for I know He is God. ~April “May you and I be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12