Be Still – Jan 2024 by Sue Aspden

Has anyone been making New Year’s resolutions? I’m not one to start the year with goals like that, but I have been prompted by something I read in my daily devotions a couple of days ago, reflecting on Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you and you have only to keep still”

I have been promoted to think about the “You have only to keep still” part of the verse! I need to take more time to be still – not being busy all the time, getting tied up in doing, rather than being.

There are plenty of examples of people in the bible or instructions for us to have some quiet time.

Jesus took time out “Jesus got up and left the house. He went to a place where he could be alone. There he prayed. “ Mark 1: 35

When Mary sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said, much to the consternation of Martha.  Luke 10:38-42“

When Elijah had stopped running and hiding he heard “a still small voice”. 1 Kings 19:12

And in the Psalms, one of my favourite verses “Be still and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10

It doesn’t matter when we have our quiet time, but having this time away from the world, being still for a moment and listening, helps us to deepen our relationship with God.

What am I missing when I am so busy that I don’t stop, when I don’t find time to be still, when I don’t listen?

Take the time and expect God to do great things with your life this year