Be Still and Know

June 13, 2020

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Psalm 46:1-11

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REFLECTION

Be Still and Know

By Mary McGinnis

When I lived in Southern California back in the 1980’s one of my favorite places to visit was the peninsula of Palos Verdes. The striking contrast between the beauty of God’s creation and the devastation of the area’s landslides intrigued my curious, pondering heart.

Our visits there would begin with exploring the abandoned wreckage of one multi-million-dollar home that had been swept down the cliff by a landslide. The ornate decor, the intricate inlays of the floors, the once beautiful outdoor pool. All I could think about was how this family’s beautiful cliff side home, with all their hopes and dreams, slowly eroded and slid down the mountainside into the heart of the sea.    

Next, we would take a jog down the steep inclines of the cliffs to the rocky shoreline below. There we would explore the glorious beauty of the ocean sweeping its waves up against the rocks. Among the rocks, small pockets of ocean water were captured in tide pools. We would spend hours exploring the beauty of sea urchins, small fish, sand dollars, crabs, and star fish up close.

I could not stop thinking about these memories as I read today’s scripture reading.

“Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

We have all been experiencing the chaos that has been wreaking havoc on our world and our nation. Not to mention the tragedies that are going on behind the scenes in our personal lives. 

Yet the Psalmist encourages us, “He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.”

We can climb down the cliffs of our turmoil and chaos, into the arms of the One who is our REFUGE and STRENGTH. We can BE STILL and KNOW that HE IS GOD! 

Prayer Practice - Take some time today and be intentional about walking away from all the distractions of chaos, turmoil and devastation of our world and sit quietly with God.  Rest in His presence and get to know Him, the Almighty One who holds all things in His Hands.