Psalm 46:10: “Be  still and know that I am God.”

 It’s difficult for me.  It’s difficult to “be still,” yet the scripture say to “be still.”. The process of being still takes a long time for me. First I have to quit talking (no comments!), but then I have to quiet my body.  I start by quieting my moving my feet.  And then I realize that my toe is still tapping to some silent song in my head.  And my hands – always fidgeting and flighty – they need to be still too.  Ah, I’m finally still, and then I notice my shoulders are drawn up to my ears with tension.  Relax, be still.  I’m there, but I move my mouth and again realize the tension.  My teeth are clenched and my jaw cracks as I relax.  Now, now, I’m still and relaxed and can listen to God.

When I finally “get there” – usually it’s a very quiet and silent space.  And I sometimes wonder if it’s the process of “getting still” that God wants from me and for me.  Other times, a person is brought to mind or an overwhelming sense of peace fills me. Sometimes I receive a nudge to right a wrong or an idea that needs to be written down and processed.  Knowing God takes many forms and each time and every day it’s different.

I try to “be still” as much as possible, but every once in a while I’ll feel my daughter’s hand on my knee—“Mom, quit moving.” I have a lot to learn about being still.