The Message: 'Be still and know that I am God'
This devotion by pastor and writer Andrew Murray is one I really like a lot.
It's called "Daily Fellowship with God."
“The first and chief need of our Christian life, is Fellowship with God. The Divine life within us comes from God, and is entirely dependent upon Him. As I need every moment afresh the air to breathe, as the sun every moment afresh sends down its light, so it is only in direct living communication with God that my soul can be strong.
"The manna of one day was corrupt when the next day came. I must every day have fresh grace from heaven and I obtain it only in direct waiting upon God Himself. Begin each day by tarrying before God, and letting Him touch you. Take time to meet God.
"To this end, let your first act in your devotion be a setting yourself still before God. In prayer, or worship, everything depends upon God taking the chief place. I must bow quietly before Him in humble faith and adoration, speaking thus with my heart: 'God is. God is near. God is love, longing to communicate Himself to me. God the Almighty One, Who worketh all in all, is even now waiting to work in me, and make Himself known. Take time, till you know God is very near.'”
Murray was a Dutch Reformed missionary in South Africa in the 19th century. But his understanding of finding fresh grace each day is still just as timely for us. I know that for me, as the world seems to be spinning out of control, trouble, trouble everywhere, he alone can provide the peace in the midst of it all. But not just on Sunday mornings and not just with bedtime prayers. Not with religion, but with relationship. Fellowship with God, as our constant companion, our ever-present help in every time of need.
”Dear Lord, teach us , teach me, to be still … to stop our striving … and to allow You … better yet to invite You…to be our ever present Companion and Shepherd … one day at a time … now and forever”
"Be still and know that I Am God. — Psalms 46:10
Pastor Scott Dempster, serving as chaplain for Jenkins Living Center
This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: I an world spinning out of control, God offers peace
