POV Wednesday - Be Still

I live most of my life in my brain. What I mean is, that I’m an analytical person. I need logic, order, a system, a reason. Emotions are secondary at best, unless there is a reason to have them. Haha.

Seriously, though, I am constantly trying to make sense of things. Blessings or hardships, ups and downs, good and bad. How often have I said, “There’s a reason for everything!”?

Yes, I believe that to be true, but we’re not always going to know what that reason is. Sometimes the reason is so far beyond our capacity and/or limited eyesight that the only option is faith.

Now, faith is not without reason. However, applying faith in our lives does take trust, often times in what we can’t see.

It’s like a kick in the pants to realize that understanding is not the main goal to life.

When things don’t make sense, when logic has flown out the window, when common sense ceases to be common, when there’s no rhyme or reason for the struggle, when you’ve banged your head up against that roadblock a thousand times and it still hasn’t budged, it’s time to be still.

Tempted to bluster and resist, I have a hard time stopping the striving and sitting still. How will my questions be answered? How will this barrier be moved? How will life go on if I just sit still?

Ultimately, that’s not for me to understand.

Inside, I resist, refuse defeat. At the very least, I will understand what’s going on!!!!

Well, I could keep slamming my head up against the wall if I really wanted to, but nothing will happen until I learn to be still.

Here. A devotional I read a few days ago that said it so much better, turned the light on for me. It’s from Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” daily devotional (Aug. 7). I hope it illuminates for you too, and helps with whatever you’re facing at the moment that is just not making any sense.

Understanding will never bring you Peace. That’s why I have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding. Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives. But the world presents you with an endless series of problems. As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you. The relief you had anticipated is short-lived. Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking Me (your Master).

The wisest of all men, Solomon, could never think his way through to Peace. His vast understanding resulted in feelings of futility, rather than fulfillment. Finally, he lost his way and succumbed to the will of his wives by worshipping idols.

My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze. Actually, you are always enveloped in Peace, which is inherent in My Presence. As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace.

I don’t think this is saying to give up figuring or solving or thinking. Not at all. But in the midst of whatever is stressing you out, remember the Master, remember Who is in control, and listen for His direction. Don’t clutter life up with needless busyness or worrying or barrier-busting when He will take care of the heavy lifting. In the middle of a struggle, we can still experience Peace if we just take the time to be still and surrender the necessity to understand it all.

Peace to you all, Dry Ground friends!

(photo by photobucket.com)