Be Still and Know

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.  Psalm 46:10-11

Be still means to cease striving, to let go, relax.
It doesn't mean, do nothing.  It means stop working so hard at making life work.
Cease striving for perfectionism.  Let go of a standard or criteria to perform.  Relax.  Take a deep breath.  Let go...

Why??

To know God. To listen for His voice.  To know that He IS God.  He is capable.  He has your back.  His shoulders are big enough to shoulder your load.  He wants you.  Pursue Him and learn of His heart for you.
Relax.  Let go. Cease striving...

Let go of perfectionism to find His perfect love, grace, and rest.
Let go of a standard you place on yourself or you think others want to find His standard of grace is enough for this moment, this trial.
Let go of doing or performing for God and relax.  He wants you.  He wants you to find Him...

Let go of worry to rest in His care.
Let go of hate or bitterness to find His love and forgiveness.
Let go of performing to bask in His grace.
Let go of control to find that He is strong enough to take care of you.
Let go of criticism to hear His words...

Let go...
To find Him.

God wants to be and will be exalted and when we find Him, He is exalted. He is exalted among the people around you.

God is with us.  He is our stronghold.

He is in the boat with us in the midst of the storm.
He is holding our hand and guiding us.  Don't let go.
He is our stronghold.  A place to find refuge from the darts and daggers that come our way.  That want to hit the mark of our heart and lodge there.

Strongholds were a place built for a group of people to be out of danger's way.  So the darts of the enemy could not pierce them.  They were built to be strong, to endure attacks.  Human strongholds didn't always last or hold up, but our Stronghold will.  God will endure the storm, so hide in the shadow of the Almighty; for you will find that you will make it.  You will endure, because He endures.  You will be safe.  Not that life will now be easy or comfortable, but when I think of safe, I think of a place where I can relax and take a deep breath.

Relax, because I know He is trustworthy.  Relax, because I know in whom I have believed, has a heart that is good towards me.  Relax from perfectionism because His love is not based on my performance, but on His heart of love; which neither success or failure will alter.  Relax, because I am important to Him.

Be still.
Cease striving.  Let go.  Relax.  To find His hand.  To find a place of safety from all that threatens to overwhelm our soul.

To hear His voice.  To hear His words above the words that pound our minds and hearts.  His words whisper and bring peace.  His words calm the overwhelmed soul and soothe the troubled heart.

Listen.  Let go.  Relax.  Be still and know God.