The Family Tree

Psalm 46:10 – Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (NIV)

A number of years ago, a distant cousin put together our family tree on my father's side. It revealed that my heritage is Welsh and English, although I am convinced that there is also a Russian branch missing from the tree as I am always rushin' here and rushin' there.

Blessed with an abundance of energy, ideas, and stamina, I don't very often spend time sitting still or being inactive. And yet, God calls for us to "be still and know that I am God", or as The Message states it:

Psalm 46:10 – Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything. (MSG)

We live in a world that is ever changing, so much so that it is often hard to keep abreast of the latest changes and to incorporate the most necessary ones into our lives. Our technology gives us instantaneous results in regards to communication and information. Instant gratification has become the norm for our society.

And yet, God calls us to step away from it all, to slow down often enough to be still and to meditate upon who is really in control: not us, no matter who we may be or what power we may wield, but Him — He, Himself, who fights for us and whose angel armies protect us.

Today, God and His angel armies are working to offer us a helping hand in any circumstance and a safe place to hide as we have need. God is also calling each one of us to stop rushing along and to see the marvels that He has provided everywhere for us to enjoy: flowers and trees, sunsets and stars, oceans and rivers, and a variety of life, beauty, and complexities too numerous to record! Be still and know, for in this act of obedience, we discover and are given the opportunity to embrace our family tree — our true heritage as children of God.

Prayer: Father God, thank You so much for opportunities to be still and know that You are God. Bless us with both the desire and the will to embrace these opportunities daily, that our hearts and minds will truly be centred on who is really in control and who knows the best way for us to proceed amidst any and all circumstances. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.