One of the hardest things I have found for me to do is “be still” & “to wait”, yet I have come to realize, that’s what God is asking me to do so many times in my life, much more than He’s asking me to “do”.  And in doing this I’ve realized a more abundant, simpler, & fuller life!

“Be still and know that I am God…” — Psalm 46:10

When I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2002, I asked God to heal me because I had so much to give, and had so much I could do for Him if He would just heal my physical body of these ailments.  But I realize now that His answer was; “Wait,  you have some things to learn, and through these illnesses I am going to teach you great things”.

To help me explain what I’ve learned, recently I was reading a daily passage from the book “God’s Abundance-365 days to a simpler life” Edited by Kathy Collard Miller.  The daily devotion was called “The Simplicity of Service”.  Part of it goes like this,  “…The Voice asked, “Why are you so busy?  What are you doing in your busyness?  What are you living for?”  And her answer was very similar to mine.  “I am helping…..I am busy for You!”  Gently God showed me that my busyness was motivated by me, not God.  I had kept myself busy serving for many years but I had no time for praising, adoring, and listening.  Like Martha of the Bible, I had scurried around doing much for God.  Now I know He didn’t want my work; He wanted my devotion, affection, and love….The still small Voice is the source of abundant life.  Listen!  Make sure you’re not too busy to find peace through the simple, important things of life like relationships and worship. 

I have found this to be so true, and without being put on my back with these illnesses, I would have never realized the peace, joy and contentment I have received by “being still”, and “listening to His still small Voice”.   I’ve realized that in the busyness of life, it’s too noisy to hear His Voice, and life becomes chaotic.  But when we obey and “be still”, and spend time with Him in prayer and His word, surrendering ourselves to Him daily, we can hear His guidance, direction and wisdom, and we will have peace, joy and contentment that is never there in the busyness of life.  As He states in Matthew 11:29 — “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”.  I am so grateful for a God who knows what’s best for me, and has healed me in so many ways emotionally and mentally through these physical illnesses of mine.

Also, in the book, “The Language of Letting Go–Daily Meditations for Codependents” by Melody Beattie, she writes about “Waiting”:  Wait.  If the time is not right, the way is not clear, the answer or decision not consistent, wait.  We may feel a sense of urgency.  We may want to resolve the issue by doing something–anything now, but that action is not in our best interest.

If the time is not right, wait.  If the way is not clear, do not plunge forward.  If the answer or decision feels muddy, wait.  Waiting is an action — a positive, forceful action.  Often waiting is a God-guided action, one with as much power as a decision, and more power than an urgent, ill-timed decision.

We do not have to pressure ourselves by insisting that we do or know something before it’s time.  When it is time, we will know.  We will move into that time naturally and harmoniously.  We will have peace and consistency.  We will feel empowered in a way we do not feel today.

“Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” — Psalm 27:14

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31

“Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.” — Psalm 37:34

Over the years I have come to trust in a God who is my firm foundation, the one I have been able to depend on, my one constant in life, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.  I have found His words of wisdom to be so true and faithful, and I’m grateful I don’t have to do it all on my own in this big world.  I’ve come to realize that when I feel stressed out, and my life is a chaotic mess, I’ve started “doing” without “being still”, and “waiting on Him”, because when I obey and “be still”, and “wait on Him” I’m filled with a peace and contentment, even in the roughest seas of my life.  As He promises; “His yoke is easy, and His burden is light!” if we will just follow.