Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
Many of you reading this are probably digging out from the snow that just pummeled the eastern United States. I’ve been challenged greatly by this snow. Although it was predicted and anticipated, I was skeptical. It seems we’re always on the edge of the big snow, but end up with only icy rain. So my faith in the forecast was the first challenge. Thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised to wake up to see the biggest snowflakes this Florida girl has ever seen. They were HUGE! (I tried catching one, but my arm wouldn’t reach out the window far enough.) What fun to wake up to a real snow that we could sled in, build a big snow man with, make snow cream and have some great snowball fights.
Where was the challenge? Snow has a way of shutting things down in our area. Bringing things to an abrupt halt. Cancelling all your plans and rearranging your schedule for you. What brings great joy to juveniles can bring panic to the parents. A friend posted, “All childlike hearts are happy.” So true and wonderfully said.
Snow might just be God’s way of giving us an extra Sabbath. A forced rest from the daily grind, busy schedules and constant deadlines and a special day to spend with family or just wrapped up in a blanket enjoying the beauty of winter. This was my challenge and it took a sort of unwinding or downshifting of gears. Slowly letting go of my plans finger by finger.
I needed to embrace the plans God had for these days instead. Snow days are a beautiful reminder to be still and know that He is God and with every exhale letting the blanket of His love and peace fall on my weary and burdened heart like snow. It’s a reminder to rest from the doing and with childlike faith, just be. Be still, be real, be present, be loved, and be accepted. Don’t we all need this kind of reminder in the 24 hour, drive-thru, instant messaging, and demanding world that we live in?
I learned in my Christian yoga class that resting is preparing for battle. And we all are fighting different battles in our lives. My amazing teacher quoted from Blessing Your Spirit, by Sylvia Gunter.
Well rested people know who they are; they know their identity. They have a strong sense of legitimacy, so they walk in godly authority subduing the demonic and bringing in the presence of God; creating a broad place for the glory of God to flow.
Whether there is snow or sand outside your window today, may you also be challenged to be still and know that He is God and find rest in Him alone? Put down your agenda, your to-do list, and your expectations for the day and be still. Exhale the burdens that you carry and inhale His love and peace. As you do know He is creating in you a broad place for His glory to flow.