Still

"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) This is a verse that has been on my heart this week and I can't seem to shake it. I like the busy lifestyle that I've had since moving to China. It is certainly much better then where I was before I came here. When I'm busy, I feel much more valued as a person, as though the state of my business gives my life meaning. I can't speak for every culture, but as someone who was raised in the US I feel that our American culture certainly pushes us to believe that. Often times we are told to not "waste our lives" and to get involved in various activities. While, it is great to be involved and active within whatever kind of community you live in, i feel that we have lost the value in stillness.

If you are like me, maybe you can relate to the fear of being alone because when you are alone, your mind wanders and that is when I begin to believe the lies that Satan and the world try to tell me. However, if I'm busy and around other people it is so much easier for me to push these issues aside or simply ignore them. As a result, I like to keep a fairly busy schedule and often times do not know how to handle myself when I am alone. This is where hobbies like video games and reading come into play. Instead of actually processing things or spending time with God (who I sometimes avoid because I know I'm doing something wrong) I distract myself with false realities. I have never been so aware of my stubbornness to avoid having "still" moments in life. There are so many things, good and bad, that can distract us from the real issues in life.

I suppose I should be honest, there is more to Psalm 46:10 than "Be still and know that I am God." It continues to say, "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This was another reminder to me. Often times, as a Christian, I feel this constant need to live a perfect life, an impossible task. It is reassuring to know that no matter what I do, He will be exalted. He simply asks me to be still and from my love of Him all else will follow.