An alternate or additional translation of the above verse is to “let go” and know that I am God. In other words, in stillness and aloneness with Him, to recognize that He is in control of everything and everybody is to have the proper mindset to commune with Him. It is the first part of Psalm 46:10.
We are a restless society: hurrying and harried, we are seldom still for very long except when sleeping. Work to do, duties to perform—it almost seems selfish to consider taking any quiet time. In fact, it nearly seems a virtue to always be busy at something. But we might benefit over the long haul by re-examining that mindset.
Although Jesus was always about His Father’s business, He never seemed to be in a hurry, and He always made provision for quiet time with His Father. All night on a mountain top or in the early morning hours He took time to be alone and to commune with God.
Daily the crowds pressed upon Him so that He and the disciples hardly had time to eat. From morning to night they surrounded Him, but He quietly taught them and healed them in spite of the press of the crowd. His life was in measured tempo as He served the multitudes, seemingly never impatient or rushed. And then at appropriate intervals He withdrew to be alone with His Father, to commune quietly and to draw strength to complete His task of seeking and saving the lost.
We might profit from Jesus’ example. His pace was slow and patient and measured, but He completed His assignment and then went to the cross for us all. And God said, “This is my beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.”
We might derive great benefit from prayer (listening as well as asking) alone with God. It might be a good substitute for running about frantically trying to please Him without seeking His direction.
Read more articles by Aline Edson or search for articles on the same topic or others.
