Be still, and know that I am God. –Psalm 46:10

Be still! Those are very hard words to hear by someone who loves to talk as much as I do. I’m a college professor–I get paid to talk. Be still? How can I be still when I know what I want–what I need? Being the organizer that I am, I can make up my list of things I need, add a “Dear God” at the beginning and an “in your Son’s name. Amen” at the end and call it prayer. Answer my prayers, God. I know what is best!

Be still, and know that I am God. With years of practice, I am finally getting closer to being able to “be still.” But, I can only experience stillness by truly believing the second part of the sentence–”and know that I am God.” Turning my life over to God, trusting in God, and realizing that God is God and doesn’t need my help, causes me to “be still.”

I find that in my stillness, I am able to listen and am open to what God is calling me to do. What a wonderful gift this stillness is!

Dear God, help me be still and listen, especially when my needs are greatest. Help me to appreciate this wonderful gift.