Be Still and Know that He is God
From University of Toronto Chinese Christian Fellowship
Right from the beginning of the year, I was already busy with Frosh week, moving back into residence, and socializing to get myself 'on track' at uni. I was pretty much drained out by the time school started and so I started playing catch up while procrastinating at the same time. So as a result, I had not time for God, well I tried to make time but I would just fall asleep about 2 minutes into my devotions. I was also struggling to juggle school and res life (it's crazy active around here!). But eventually, I got a hang of things and managed to fit everything in - I even took up kickboxing and visited the AC regularly! At this point, I felt pretty satisfied with what I had. But in the back of my mind, I knew I needed God - we always need Him. With this conviction tugging at my heart, I started to give up everything that got me so involved (but only half-heartedly, and God knew it obviously!).
But then one time, I showed up to small group half an hour early because I forgot we've moved it to 7:30. Luckily, I brought my handy pocket Bible. =) I wasn't sure what I was reading but I felt this incredible peace - it was quiet time with just me and God. This triggered an insatiable desire to have Him back into my life. But the big knock on the door didn't come until I read Psalm 46 during small group. It says that when God lifts His voice, the earth melts. He goes on to tell us to "be still, and know that I am God." This passage really struck me because all this time, I've been spending all my time, energy, and effort on something so trivial and temporary. How can I be such an idiot and not use all that time and energy towards God instead - how can someone so big and so powerful be ignored and deserve anything less than all that I have? How can I not be in awe?
I shared this 'earth-rattling' realization with my friend in Cali and he shared a verse with me from Ecc. 2, Jesus says, "my heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." WOW! What a verse! So once again, I went to the foot of the cross and cried out - this time meaning it with ALL my heart. And something happened! I started staying awake during all my devotions and my prayers, I even made it to the morning prayer meetings! Of course, this was just the start to many wonderful blessings that followed but remember, this is a love relationship. And relationships involved the efforts of two people - something I have to be constantly reminded of. Always be conscious of making God the center of the universe and nothing can go wrong! =D
So to put all this in a nutshell…
- everything starts with a humble heart and a willing heart
- God is faithful, He's always there waiting for us but we're just too
busy to notice.
- Key to maintaining a loving relationship with Jesus is by humbling
yourself everyday - and really mean it! Also let God help with your humility!
- Finally, enjoy His subtlety and humor!
Be blessed! =)