Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Perseverance”
Our Bible verse for today: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “Let God be God”
As I write this I’m alone in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee on a short personal retreat for a few days. This is a time for long hikes on mountain trails, plenty of time spent reading good books (and the Good Book), and quiet moments of just sitting, thinking, and praying.
I don’t do this enough. Instead I convince myself that there are far too many things that need my attention back home and which prevent me from getting away – family concerns and church work; mission trips and mowing the lawn (Ok, I don’t actually have a lawn. At the moment it’s just dirt. But that’s another story).
The point is that I often fool myself into thinking that it’s impossible to get away for some down time. I mean, if I’m not there to do all of these things then who will take care of this, that, and every other thing? Seriously, the world might stop and civilization as we know it could come to an end.
Or not.
The truth is that God is God and I am not. It’s God who keeps all things going and holds them all together. It’s true! I just reread Colossians 1:17 to be sure: “… in him all things hold together.” That’s what it says.
When it comes to effectively persevering in life, sometimes we have to just slow down, sit down, be still, and let God be God. That’s the point the Lord was making through the Psalmist in Psalm 46:10 when He said, “Be still and know that I am God.” (I know that was written three thousands years before I was even born but I’m still convinced He had me in mind when He said it).
It’s also true that you can’t give what you don’t have. If you’re physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually drained, then you won’t have anything left to give to others. Therefore one of the keys to persevering in life is to sometimes get away for rest and renewal. Jesus Himself did this and He also insisted that His disciples do it as well. In Mark 6:31 He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Ok, so, I really would like to make this devotional message longer but there’s a trail out there that needs to be hiked, some beautiful scenery to be enjoyed, and I’m sure I can find a log beside a bubbling stream to just sit quietly and enjoy being with the Lord. (And I hope you will do something similar for yourself soon).
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 