Weekend Worship—Be Still and Know I Am God

Edie here. Today I'm excited to introduce you to a writing friend of mine, Laura Hodges Poole. Laura has a powerful new devotional out , While I'm Waiting: Going from despair to hope while praising God and choosing contentment during trials. I invited her to share something from it here. I know you'll become a fan, just like me.

* * *

Be Still and Know I Am God

by Laura Poole @Laura_Poole 

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a

Have you ever been still? I mean really still. No cell phone, TV, or computer? No children running in and out? Complete and utter silence?

Imagine calmness filled only with your thoughts and God’s presence. If only we had the time, right?

Many things demand our time. And we give that time away and waste it freely, as though we have an endless supply. As Christians, we do—in eternity.

Meanwhile, here on the earth, if we’re to be effective disciples, we must spend time alone with God.

Crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15b-16/

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35.

Many are unwilling to give God premium time—the time they’d rather be (or are committed to) doing something else.

So how much free time is enough?

“O Lamb of God, deliver me …”

From subtle love of softening things,

From easy choices, weakenings,

(Not thus are spirits fortified,

Not this way went the Crucified)

From all that dims Thy Calvary

O Lamb of God, deliver me.

~ Amy Carmichael, missionary

I often take inventory when life’s demands and deadlines seem overwhelming. I don’t know about you, but Amy Carmichael’s words challenge me. What do I allow to dim His Calvary? Whatever I find that to be, it’s not more important than spending time alone with God.

Rearranging our schedules to have quiet time—be still and know time—with God, is necessary as Christians. It’s during this time that we replenish our spirits.

Reflection: When God has my undivided attention, inspiration and rejuvenation take place. What is God trying to whisper to your heart today in the midst of chaos?

Laura Hodges Poole is a freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in publication. She is a 2014 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist and a 2012 RWA Emily finalist in Christian fiction. Laura is also a non-fiction ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement." She may be contacted at laurapoole565@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @ Laura_Poole and like her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/LauraHodgesPoole.

Her Christmas novella, “A Christmas Chance,” is available on Amazon.