Scripture for Today: Psalms 46:10  “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations!  I will be exalted in the earth!”

Our Siamese cat, Chin-Chin, lived for eighteen years.  Most every year she had a beautiful litter of kittens that my Mother would sell.  It was not unusual to see Chin-Chin carrying around her kittens by the scruff of their necks.  As a young girl, it always bothered me to see that, thinking that it must hurt the kitten.  But of course, the kitten was fine, as long as he did not struggle.  I have since learned about this odd reflex that causes the kitten to hold its body stiffly, its hindquarters raised with its tail and hind legs curled.  It is not that the kitten goes limp.  Its body is not flaccid, remaining firm.  But there is no struggle.

Our verse for today calls for stillness.  Just as for that kitten, there are times to be still and allow the Lord to have His way.  The context of this verse describes insurmountable obstacles such as changes in the earth, troubled waters and mountains trembling.  In all of this upheaval well beyond one’s control, the trusting response is stillness and quiet trust in the sovereignty of God.  He reassures us of His powerful presence.  That stillness allows Him to carry us.

Being quiet and still, carried through trial by His presence is such a beautiful image of His love.  It is never His intention that I worry or fret or struggle with questions and doubts.  He wants to carry me but He cannot until I stop struggling and fussing.

Help me, Lord, to be still and in that stillness feel you carrying me through.

(Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.)