Be Still

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HznXBBCdBE

Into the Sea (It’s Gonna be OK) ~ Tasha Layton

Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!

~ Psalm 46:10 NKJV

I got halfway through writing this piece, as prompted by Holy Spirit, and realized I hadn’t yet laid the groundwork for the most important part of this verse. “Be still” is the command given by God to “leave off” or “desert” our plans. We are to do so in light who He is because He is God. But what does that mean?

I did a devotional time with my girls, yesterday, and asked them that question: Who is God? Here’s the list they came up with:

·         Our Creator

·         Our Friend

·         Our Powerful Defender

·         Our Love

·         Our Daddy (I smiled at this one)

·         Our Shield and Very Great Reward

·         Our Wise God

·         All Knowing

·         All Powerful

It’s hard to walk away from something, especially when we think we’re right in our decision or when it’s something we really want. But when we know and trust the One who’s asked us to go another route, is there really any other choice?

Lord, when what I think and what I want don’t go with what You ask of me, help me to be still and know that You are God.

©Heather Potts 2021

Makin' Plans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr8OfXrQ9UE

Be Still ~ Red Rocks Worship

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9 NLT

I enjoy New Year's Resolutions, Vision Boards, and making plans. If there's one thing the past decade has taught me, though, it's to be pressed into God to ensure that my plans are His.

My initial plans didn't include moving to Florida. My secondary plans didn't include returning. God had other plans. 

Our plans were never for me to work when either of our girls were little. God had other plans.

Our plans didn't include hardships, hurts, sicknesses, or losses. With a word, God could have caused us to bypass all of it, versus grow through it. While God didn't cause the hurt, His desire is for us to grow in and closer to Him. I guess our plans didn't include real growth. Fortunately, God had other plans.

God has surrounded us with many wise people. He encourages us to walk with, learn from, and even share our stories with them. It's through the sharing of our lives that our faith is strengthened and stretched, causing us to grow. 

God has many wonderful things He wants to share with us. As we envision dreams, make plans, and set goals, let's be sure make room for God's plans, even if it means laying down our own, remembering that the best course for our lives is His.

©Heather Potts 2020

Peace, Be Still!

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling…Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. ~ Mark 4:37, 39 NKJV

Peace, be still!

That’s what Jesus said to calm the storm that raged on the sea.

Peace, be still!

And it’s what He says to calm the storms that rage internally.

Peace, be still!

My Savannah really struggles with change and transition. Though it’s gotten better—MUCH better—it’s still hard and has me constantly running to the feet of my Jesus asking, “What should I do? How do I help her when she appears to be angry, anxious, and unsettled?”  He said to combat it with the opposite spirit. The opposite of anger and anxiety is peace. And I smiled.

Savannah means, “Peaceful meadows.” Isaiah 43:1 says, “I have called you by name.” Long before we knew the challenges we would face, God called her, “Peaceful.” Immediately that night, I went into her room, though she was asleep, and prayed peace over her mind and heart, calling her by name, declaring her, “Peaceful!” Since then, some days are good and others are very challenging. But each day and night I pray with and for her, declaring and reminding her that she is Peaceful.

What storm is raging in your life, in your heart? Command, as Jesus did, “Peace, be still!” Then watch how your words, through your God-given authority, affect your heart, mind, and situation. Like with Savannah, it might not produce immediate results, but the peace will come and the storm will calm.

Peace, be still!

©Heather Potts 2017