May 29 Resting in His Peace

Theme: Be Still and Know That He Is God

Karen Lazzari
Bodden Town SDA

Scripture Focus: Psalms 46:10 

 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Being still is not something that comes easily for me, and I assume it’s the same for most.  We live in a fast-paced world that demands our constant attention to keep up with its pace, fearing being left behind. Sometimes, we forget to stop and smell the roses. However, through the three “P’s,” I am learning each day how to simply “Be still and know that He is God.”

I teach a junior class at the church I attend. One of the lessons taught to the kids some time back was entitled “From Pit, to Prison, to the Palace,” regarding the inspiring story of Joseph (one of my favorite Bible characters), which recounted his struggles and experiences.  From this lesson, I decided to use what I call the three “P’s” formula, which helps me to navigate through the darkest moments in my life. 

I have been faced with many challenges throughout my life.  One involved me having to move and leave behind everything that I held dear to my heart and was familiar with, including my family and friends.  I was placed out of my comfort zone. However, through it all, I learned to put my trust in the all-knowing, all-loving, and all-seeing God.  During this difficult time, I relied solely on the promises that He would see me through whatever lay ahead.

As I journeyed through my pit (when it seemed that there was light at the end of the tunnel yet no way of getting through), I felt the pang of loneliness, was filled with worries and fears, and had many 'Why me, Lord? ' moments. During these darkest moments, I relied heavily on prayer and clung desperately to the Word of God and His promises.

By the time I reached through the Prison phase (when things seemed to be getting worse with no happy ending in sight) I started to wonder if it was even worth the sacrifice. I felt abandoned and forgotten by God.  I was desperate and at the end of my rope.  Yet through it all, there was still that small voice that kept whispering in my ears to hang in there, to hold on for just a little while longer. The best was yet to come, just around the corner. If I would just “be still and know that He is God.”  So, what did I do?  I did just that, I waited; day in and day out, trusting in the faithfulness and promises of His words.

I remembered that God was always on time, even when time for me seemed to have stood still.  I tried to focus on the big picture, rather than the missing pieces of the puzzle, and on my ultimate destination: my heavenly home.  I tried my best to focus on Jesus amidst the negativity and depression in my life.  I realized that the goal of the enemy was to discourage and distract me from keeping my eyes focused on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. 

Then came the best part of my journey, the Palace, where darkness is dispelled by light.  I woke up one day and realized that amid it all, Jesus was with me every step of the way.  I was never alone. I rejoiced in the fact that I am a daughter of the King, I am loved unconditionally, and an overcomer because I never gave up. I held on firmly to the sweet promises of His words.

Reflection:

No matter what the circumstances we may be experiencing, remember that we are not alone; God is with us.  He has promised to be with us till the end of the world, and that He would never leave us or forsake us.  Therefore, just “Be still and know that He is God.”

Prayer:

Dear Father, 

We recognize that being still does not come naturally for most of us, yet we know that to be victorious, we must “Be still and know that You are God.” Help us, by your grace, to stay connected with you, the source of all power.  May we develop such a relationship with you that whatever circumstances we may face we can rest assured that You will work all things for our good.  Thank you for the gift of life, and for bringing into our space angels in disguise in the form of family and faithful friends. We love you and are so grateful for your daily blessings!  Amen.