Your Daily Crossroad
Take Time to Stop
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)
“Be still” is a phrase often commanded by parents. Children have an abundance of energy that seems to have no limits at times, regardless of where they may be. The command to “be still” usually comes when either the energy level has reached a fevered pitch or when the environment is not conducive to an overabundance of activity, such as riding in a car or sitting in church. However, getting a child to be still from just speaking the words is most often a futile attempt at best; sometimes, more serious action is required.
As children of God, we are not so different. We tend to lead overactive lives filled with busyness and activities that seem to have few boundaries themselves. The difference is that, as adults, we have no one telling us to “be still” and slow down. We think the busier we are, the better we are for us and for those around us. Most of us even feel better just by staying active and over stimulated. Our society not only endorses this behavior but also has, for the most part, created the standards for it. How many of us would like to be known as weak, feeble, or slack? We most likely would be insulted by such words. But God says that we are to “be still,” which is defined in Hebrew with such words. God is the One who tells us not to put anything above or before Him in our lives, even our energy levels and activities.
Just as with a child, sometimes our attention must be captured by God using more drastic actions. I heard the Lord telling me to slow down but it took physical changes in my life before I began to listen and obey. All God wants is more of us. He wants to be with us and He wants our undivided attention when we are with Him. It is a command to “be still,” to be weak and to be at rest, before our God. Take time today to stop and be still before the Lord. Pray that you can “know” that He is your Lord and Savior and that you can be with Him in stillness and peace. If you hear Him telling you to be still, then listen and obey and do not wait: start today.
When I read this I couldn’t help but recognize it can be extremely difficult for some to “be still” and I don’t believe God wants us to turn our backs on our responsibilities. He wants us to be still and make time for Him in and throughout our days. As hard for some as it may be, setting your alarm even a half hour earlier so you can wake and spend time in prayer and in your word before the day demands your attention is a great way to be still. Let’s start making Him a priority today.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 46
Put Down Your Burdens
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
A man driving his pickup truck on a country track saw a woman carrying a heavy load, so he stopped and offered her a lift. The woman expressed her gratitude and climbed into the back of the truck.
A moment later, the man noticed a strange thing: the woman was still holding onto her heavy load despite sitting in the vehicle! Astonished, he pleaded, “Please, Madam, put down your load and take your rest. My truck can carry you and your stuff. Just relax.”
What do we do with the load of fear, worry, and anxiety we often carry as we go through life’s many challenges? Instead of relaxing in the Lord, I sometimes behave like that woman. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28), yet I’ve caught myself carrying burdens I should offload onto Jesus.
We put down our burdens when we bring them to the Lord in prayer. The apostle Peter says, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Because He cares for us, we can rest and relax as we learn to trust Him. Instead of carrying the burdens that weigh us down and weary us, we can give them to the Lord and let Him carry them.
I’m tired, Lord. I bring You my burdens today. Please keep them and carry them for me. Amen.
When we truly let go and let God it’s a beautiful thing, it’s a freedom beyond what your mind can even fathom, can even explain. It’s a weight that lifts that you can’t even explain. It’s a God thing that can’t be denied. When I read this I felt someone needed to be reminded of this, let go and let God! When you do you will experience a freedom that can’t be expressed with words. I don’t know who you are but God does and I am praying with you and for you. Today is your day to put down your burdens!!
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 11:25-30
His Everlasting Love
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3)
God is love. You cannot separate Him from love and He works in our lives because of His love. Many of us know that God is love, but how many of us live like we believe it? Fear, doubt, guilt and thoughts of self-condemnation are all factors that wage against the love of God. So each time that we worry, we are not resting in the love of God. Each time we feel fearful regarding our finances or health, we are not resting in the love of God.
God loves you so much that you cannot do anything to separate yourself from His love. He understands your struggles and limitations. But through it all, He wants you to find rest as you accept His love and love Him back. After all, 1 John 4:19 says, “We Love Him, because He first loved us.”
When I read this it blessed me. It is short but powerful. What a mighty God we serve. Today, rest in the love of God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 10:12, Galatians 1
A Heart of Compassion
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. (Colossians 3:12)
Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, “Too bad,” as she and her two companions pushed on into the row.
As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife, Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, “Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this.” Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger.
Wherever we go, we will encounter people who need compassion. Perhaps these words from the apostle Paul can help us view everyone around us in a different light—as people who need the gentle touch of grace. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Col. 3:12). He also suggests that we “forbear one another, and forgive one another” (v. 13).
As we show compassion, we will be pointing others to the One who poured out His heart of grace and compassion on us.
Your compassions never fail, Father. May we mirror Your heart by showing compassion to others. Amen.
I must admit, I needed this reminder today. We all need to set a Christ like example. Even in the moments when we feel our actions are justified, stop and think, how would Christ handle this situation or individual. He continues to show love and compassion. Let us stop and think before we speak or react to people or situations in our path today. Help us Lord to show compassion to others. Help us be a reflection of your light and love.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Colossians 3:12-17