ON LETTING GO

Recently I shared some thoughts on letting go, applying it to the loss of a spouse, a believing son, daughter, parent, dear friend, and so forth. I was again reminded of that choice recently while reading the familiar words of Psalm 46:10. I received such timely encouragement from it that I felt compelled to share it with you all.

“Be still,” says the Lord, “and know that I am God.” A careful word-study of this simple passage brings out some wonderful, applicable truths for all of us pilgrims of the Faith! As we dissect this verse, we’ll see just how marvelous and encouraging is the Word of God.

First, “still” comes from the Hebrew word raphah and it means to cease, let go, relax. “Know” is translated from the word yada meaning to know by observation and reflecting or experiencing; to “recognize and understand” (Amplified Bible).

Paraphrasing then applying Psalm 46:10 to the theme of letting go, this scripture is saying “Let go of the burden, settle down. Carefully look around you, reflect on what you see, and recognize that I am God!”

Being reminded that our Sovereign, All-powerful, Loving Creator oversees every detail of our lives, bringing about His good, pleasing, perfect will (Romans 12:2) is good news indeed!

PINNING A DIAPER

In the old days, before disposable diapers were so popular and affordable, parents used cotton diapers and diaper pins. It was great fun trying to get your kid to lie still long enough so you could pin on the diaper! Legs and arms going 90 miles an hour; arching their back; screaming. You’d say, “But Billy, this diaper is for your own good” — as you’d stick him with a pin!

God goes through that same thing with us! He sees the need, but we won’t lie still long enough and quiet enough for Him to take care of it. We think He’s gonna’ “stick” us with something bad! But the sooner we settle down, slow down, the quicker He can administer the antidote.

The next time you’re aggravated by something, ASAP get quiet; be still before the Lord (and an open Bible!) and let Him speak to you and bring relief.