Psalms 46:10(KJV)

683
615
posts
615
615
 
“Stop striving and know that I am God,” says Psalm 46:10, a verse I memorized as a child and have never forgotten. But only recently have I begun to think of it not as a corrective for misplaced zealotry or doing things in one’s own strength, but as a promise. It could be read something like this: “Stop trying—stop grinding yourself down and burning out—and at last, you’ll discover for yourself who I am.” This promise relies on trust in the goodness of God and a belief in His constant presence with us. All that’s required is openness and patience, giving up on the notion that anyone is more responsible than God for perfecting His work in us (Phil. 1:6). Too often we’re so focused on outcomes that we fail to appreciate the process of growth, which includes ALL kinds of moments and experiences—not just those that resemble our ideals concerning the life of faith. Thomas’s doubt was an important and productive part of His relationship with Christ, as was Peter’s denial. The rich young ruler had to walk away before he could take steps forward. Nicodemus’s faith needed the cover of night before he could embrace the day’s brilliance. In the mystery of God’s economy, we simply cannot know the value or even the necessity of our struggles. More and more I think that, for each of us—regardless of where we find ourselves on the spectrum of belief and unbelief—the best way forward is not obviously forward at all. Rather, it’s a kind of active stillness where we learn to wait on the Lord. Where we call out, along with the demon-possessed boy’s father, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Where we sit and wait for the Lord to pass by and show Himself to be exactly who we hoped He was all along. Adapted from “The Temptation to Say, ‘Goodbye, Lord,’” by C. Lawrence
  • 0
  • 2K
  • 0