Step Out of Traffic! The process of learning to be still.

Psalm 46:10

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

I’m not good at being still. My dad gave me the nickname “worm” – as in wiggle worm – when I was just a little kid. I was always on the move – never sat still. It must have driven them crazy at times.

But I’m now on day 10 of having to be more still than usual following my lower back surgery.

And today, in my stillness, God showed me something so unexpected that I broke. Literally sat down and cried brokenness.

God showed me that

·      in my busyness

·      in my good health

·      in my strength

·      in my affluence

He showed me that in all the goodness that He has blessed me with it is so easy for me to forget Him and His purpose for my life. 

Busyness creates opportunities for our focus to move away from God and more toward ourselves. 

And I seem to love to focus on me so much that I have not given as much thought to;

·      Those who need a helping hand

·      Those who are also lacking strength

·      Those who are suffering great loss

·      Those who have no one to defend themselves

·      Those who are wondering through this world without hope, without Jesus

I love how Pastor Peterson paraphrases this passage in The Message;

8-10Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

“Step out of traffic! Take a long loving look at me, your High God…” 

For me today, the step out of the traffic was to remind me of how great my God is, how blessed I am and how many people still need God’s love, hope, and grace.

I seriously hate sitting still. But I’m thankful I stepped out of the traffic today and am starting to look forward to seeing what the Master has to teach me over the next several weeks on this journey of stillness.

How about you?

Have you stepped out of the traffic today? 

If so, what is God teaching you? 

And, who can you share God’s love, hope and grace with today?