The Art of "Being Still"

Whenever you are amidst spiritual warfare or when a crisis arises, it is important that you seek and learn to "BE STILL". Being still does not mean that you are unconcerned or oblivious to what is going on, or simply just doing nothing. Nor is it some delusionary state of unconsciousness of being in denial, or having any erroneous illusions of grandeur. Quite the contrary. It is a non combative state. During spiritual warfare or a crisis, usually there is much stress, people often respond in ways that are counterproductive. They make hasty decisions, become easily angered or result to over indulgence in drugs or alcohol, or may even become passive since they lack coping skills. Instead it really is very important to always strive to be aware, alert and attentive to your surroundings as well as those about you. Learn to become flexible and resilient. So you will not get towed along. Being still is a state of mind that helps you remain focused and stay in a cognizant preferred chosen state of tranquility. Not walking in self indulgence or weakness, but making a sincere attempt to submit to a disciplined practice of walking in "meekness" where your faith and trust is rooted and grounded in the Lord! It helps sometimes to also keep a sense of humor about it all. Just know, a bit of appropriate laughter is good for the soul, it helps to keep things within a healthy responsive balance. Readily enlist earnestly the opportunity to "pray unceasingly". To be aware that the often orchestrated situation at hand, really wants you to "act out" or respond in an unseemingly, improper or inappropriate carnal manner. Which really only wants to cast you in an unfavorable light to simply mar your testimony.

One must learn to depend and call upon the Lord, often in an inaudible way, momentarily inwardly bowing, knowing that your heart becomes an immediate altar. Since we cannot avoid crisis learn to invite God into the messiness about you. It is possible as the Word says; "to be angry and sin not."Trusting and knowing that God knows your heart and always hears your cries. Remember Psalm 27; "The Lord is my Light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid..." In His time He can and will deliver you from any and all evil! Ephesians clearly tells us to "Finally be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on your spiritual armor of God so when the evil day comes, you may be able to stand your ground......."The Greek word for crisis is krinein, whichmeans "to decide." Crisis and spiritual warfare can come at unexpected moments. Usually the decisions that you have to make are life changing. Deicide to take some time and "BE STILL." See this as an opportunity to put in practice what it means to exercise "patience" . His Blessed Assurance can truly be experienced, once born of His Spirit! Always keeping in mind that God knows and has everything under His complete control really helps.

Once you become a child of God it is important to get to know Him. To avidly commence to grow in the grace and knowledge of Him and to read, ponder, dwell upon His Word and implement the principles therein. To desire to respond in a way that pleases Him. To know the difference between the works of the flesh and the Fruit of His Spirit that is discussed in Galatians 5. His Word truly is meant to be our Life Manual ! It is essentially, imperative to keep in mind that the people, situations and scenarios presented really did happen. There is a plethora of wisdom in the Scriptures. So much so to a degree, that it can boggle your mind. This is why it is important that we ask for His promised Comforter to fill us, to illuminate our understanding while journeying through its tasty, appetizing, palatable pages. The Book of Proverbs candidly informs us that understanding comes from our Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omnisicent God! This is why we must approach His Word interactively, somewhat differently than any other book as we navigate through its many passages. Humbly and sincerely asking Him to open our spiritual understanding while reading comprehensively with the intent to glean its intended messages which is not of man's interpretation.

Whenever life presents, it's inevitable challenges and bombards you on every side it helps to be prepared or they will take you under. This is the time to draw even nearer to the Lord and polish up your spiritual armor. To put into practice all that you have learned thus far. One must adorn himself with a willingness to be attentive, conscientious, open, focused, ready to hear, open to conviction and enthusiastically listen from the deepest depth of your being. It is His Truth that keeps your loins protected and your mind sharp! His Spirit transforms us from the inside out. It is also here where you are internally reenergized, become more aware, your mental telepathy tuned in to Him. Your inner peace resonates and becomes amplified, your God given joy and encouragement fortified. Remember grace and peace is multiplied by the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Keep in mind, the Word of God is "Quick and powerful" meaning it is alive, active! Hebrews 8 tells us that God really will "put His laws in your minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people..." Hebrews also goes on to say that this is the "New Covenant..." Life was not meant to be an aimlessly ephemeral, simple transient excursion. The people of God went through some things. This is why Praise and Worship was meant to be a daily lifestyle to keep us connected to who we are and for whom we were created. To "lift up holy hands", inside, outside, whenever or wherever, His Church assembles together large or small, or when "two are three are gathered in My name..." He is in the midst. Jesus should be praised, thanked, edified and magnified. "To GOD Be the Glory!" His Covenant is a promised agreement. In your leisure take the time to see how throughout the lives of His people God was always meant to be their "Central Theme". The many preparations, numerous offerings and sacrifices that were made in the Old Testament were mere reminders of the sins of the people and the need to be mindful of God and His principles daily. God always leaves a remnant of His people . Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior through which all was spoken into existence, who is Holy, sinless, blameless, once and for all sacrificed His life for us so we could live life differently.

This is why it is vitally important and so relevant to know Him and what He has done for all of us! "God is not a respecter of persons." As a believer it is significantly important to know that you have a place with Him that is specifically meant for you within His body, His Church not made by hands. His nurturing presence is readily available where ever you are and His plenteous manna accessible ripening the Fruit of His Spirit within your life. Just know with confidence, no one can take it from you. Know Him personally, who He is and what you believe, put your faith and trust in God. God is awesome! He intended for us upon receiving the precious gift of His Holy Spirit, to come inside and internally reside within us and to become our Spiritual Teacher. "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offer Himself unblemished to GOD, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the LIVING GOD! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a New Covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance-now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from....." Oh but there is so much more I cannot tell it all. So, but taste and see in His Word for yourself that the Lord is GOOD! Did you know there truly is power in "The Blood?" Take some time and learn to "BE STILL".

It really can make one ask at times, "If you really believe how did we get here?" You see it is not, nor has it ever been popular to really "Believe" in God. The idea is still quite abstract to many. There are consequences for living as a true believer. Your spiritual eyes must be open to discern the spiritual warfare that is about you. His disciples were, misunderstood, rejected, abandoned, and treated horrendously on many occasions. The masses have always ignored what God has to say, from Genesis to Revelation. The scriptures record over and over that "man did what was right in his own eyes." Or simply went along with whatever was trendy or popular. When you decide to "stand up" for what is right many will sit on the fence........ It was one of Jesus disciples that betrayed Him. Have you ever thought about where were all those people Jesus helped, and healed when they crucified Him? Look all around, we are in a crisis, the news, the economy, the world in which we live has reached catastrophic proportions on many levels. Crisis always brings about a change. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof the world and them that dwell therein..." Yet in the midst of it all God has a way of getting our attention and showing us ALL He can use who and whomever He pleases to bring about "CHANGE".

Throughout His Word you will find spiritual warfare involving, nations, countries, families, relationships, personality conflicts, false teachers, misunderstandings, manipulation, sexual sins, slander, you name it and it's there. If you are looking for a case history to profile or evaluate it's there. God did a marvelous thing when He left us His Story, this splendid, spectacular, awe inspiring, priceless Word. He also left us the Promise that "He would never leave nor forsake us". In life, God genuinely makes all the difference in the world! Getting to know God helps you to cope with what has gone on, is going on and is to come. It is here that one can rest and find comfort and "BE STILL" even within the most difficult situations. But I must warn you it is not an easy thing to do. Where ever you are or whatever your situation good or bad it can change at anytime, just know that God only has you there temporarily for a season. But year in and year out, know that "Jesus is the reason for the season" whether you are a believer or not! Know that wherever you are Jesus knows. When you accept Him as your Savior, Lord and Shepherd, He will and can take you through this valley of the shadow of death and when necessary lead you to the still waters. The peace of God does surpass the understanding of man. Know some things will not be understood on this side of Heaven. But always keep in mind absolutely nothing that comes your way gets by Him. "It is in Him we move and live and have our being." God is always speaking we just have to get better at listening. This is why discipline becomes so important. Be encouraged! We can "do all things through Christ that strengthens me." Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. His TRUTH is everlasting throughout all generations and yes; "BE STILL" and know that He is the Great "I AM" who always was, has been and always will be. He is worthy of all the praise. To GOD be the Glory!