Be Still My Soul

"Be still my soul." Whenever I read these words, think these words, hear these words, I instantly stop. I hear the Lord's voice asking me to be still. He is asking me to stop running and running and to take time to let his peace wash over me. I love Kari Jobe's song Be Still my Soul. How easy it is to get caught up in the fast pace life of this world. And how dangerous it is to our soul. How can running around without taking time to be still with the presence of the Lord hurt us? Well I can tell you several ways of how it has hurt my soul.

1. When we are constantly go, go, go eventually we will run out of juice. Our bodies need rest, our minds need rest, and our soul needs rest as well. It's easy to get caught up in events, signing up for every sport, watching your kid play every sport you signed them up for, saying yes to every friend that needs your help, spending too much time on your phone, etc., ect. We get caught up in the fast paced lifestyle. We believe the lie that we constantly need something going on. We fall into the yes man mindset. What happens to a car once it runs out of gas? It can't move, it can't go anywhere, and it can't do what it is created to do. When we go, go, go until we run out of life then we cannot help others, we cannot love and serve as greatly, and we cannot do what we were created to do. So what is life? Life is Jesus. He is the living water and without him we cannot live. John 4:14 So stop, be still, and drink of him.

2. When we don't stop to be still we miss out on hearing God or we miss out on a blessing he has placed in front of us. It is easy to get caught up in the static of this world. I have definitely experienced this. I can get so caught up in school, friendships, work, and everything else that I miss out on hearing from God. There are often times where I pray and wonder why he hasn't answered me when in reality he is calling me to stop and be still. I have been learning to stop throughout my day and clear my mind, open my heart, and thank him. I thank him and then I just listen. A peace that can only come from above washes over me. It makes each day much more beautiful. When a tough situation comes up, those moments of quiet help me so much to stay calm because I am aware of his presence. So take time throughout your day to stop and open your heart to the Lord. 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

3. In regards to the verse above, the Lord is calling us to stop and know that he is God. He is our creator. The verses go onto telling them how amazing he is and how the people shouted with joy. So stop today or tomorrow or whenever and shout with joy! If you're having a bad day, please, just take a break from whatever is bringing you down and sing praises to him, dance with all of your soul, and shout with joy. Why? Because we have a creator who loves us. Because he is so, so good. Because we once were dead but now we are alive! I promise you, the turmoil in your heart, the chains binding your feet, will crumble when you CHOOSE to be still and let your praises ring. It is a conscience choice you must make but one that will change your life. 4. He wants us to be still so he can be God. He wants us to be still so he can fight for us. He wants to hear about your problems, your prayers, your worries, and whatever else is going on. He wants us to stop freaking out and to trust him. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your care upon him; for he careth for you." God is mighty and strong. He loves you and wants a relationship with you. He sent his son to die on the cross to have a relationship with you. So whatever voices are getting in the way of your relationship with God then tell them to be quiet because you want to hear his voice alone. Sometimes we have to get away from the world in order to be alone with him which is so incredibly amazing and intimate. It is unlike anything in this world. He loves you and he cares for you my friends. So please, be still.

So, be still my soul. Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side. Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change, He faithful will remain.