Only Be Still

Exodus 14:14 - “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

It seems sometimes the only way to get good customer service is by being an assertive, and sometimes downright rude! We have been conditioned to push for our way, and to fight for our rights. It’s so pervasive in our culture that it’s just a natural response in certain situations. Unfortunately, this conditioning has left us at a spiritual disadvantage.

When we look at what Jesus did on the cross we see an example of someone else’s act meeting the requirements for our lives. It’s our inaction that makes the cross so powerful – we don’t have to earn it, we just have to accept it. This principle is true for our entire walk with God. It doesn’t mean we become lazy people that just sit on the couch and watch television all day waiting on God to boom in with a great plan. We do need to take initiative in life, but it does mean that his ways are higher than our ways(Isaiah 55) and we must submit to his direction. In moments in life when we are being treated unfairly or slandered, we must trust that God will take on our defense. He will stand for us with his all mighty power. Our human methods will only carry us so far, it is God who will fight for us.

We read in other passages (Psalm 46:10) that it is in stillness that we will know God. How often do you take time to be still? Are you making room in your calendar to wait on and hear from the Lord? Where are you fighting battles in your life that are not your responsibility to fight? Seek direction from the Lord and find rest for your soul (Jeremiah 6:16). When we are doing God’s will, we will be at peace and rest(Matthew 11:20).

A Theme Emerges

2013 has just begun and already a theme has emerged! Travel is the word of the year. In 1994, Hugh Grant starred in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and I'm close. Two days before Christmas my father-in-law was hospitalized and 14 days later he died. So after traveling 5 hours to see him this passed week, we will go again Friday to be with family and friends at his memorial. Now I am someone who is no stranger to traveling. In my 34 years I have been to 27 different countries. Getting on plane or going on a road trip is not something that intimidates me, but since my initial voyage my life is changed. Now I'm doing with the family. My family includes my husband and I but also my 26-year-old special-needs stepdaughter, my diabetic 21-year-old stepdaughter who spends her life in and out of hospitals, and my soon-to-be two-year-old son. It's an undertaking to say the least. Before news of my father-in-law's terminal illness, we knew this year would be about travel. I have three sisters all of which are getting married this year in three different states within eight months of each other. This will be interesting! I'm in search of busy books ideas and other travel apps and toys for little kids. I'm going to master this traveling with tots thing, and be an expert by 2014. Journey with me, if you're ready, here we go...