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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Shhh. (02/18/10)
"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10 NAS)
Many of us feel the jitters when visiting the dentist. We seldom can keep calm without finding out at each step of the way what's happening, especially when the dentist is doing something out of the ordinary. Even if the dentist says, "Shhh, be still!" we will never be able to remain still or permit the dentist to do whatever he or she wants to do to our teeth.

Like the visit to the dentist, we are often unable to stay calm when facing a storm. We sometimes question God why the storm is happening in our lives. We want God to let us know what He is doing each step of the way, especially when He is doing something unexpected or extraordinary. Even though we know God can calm every storm we face in life, we cannot remain calm.

In the Gospel’s account of the strong wind that threatens to sink the boat, the disciples said to Jesus, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Jesus, upon waking up from His sleep, rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still," and the wind died down and it became perfectly calm (Mark 4:37-41).

We may be facing a storm right now or maybe we are apprehensive of an upcoming storm. Are we able to stay calm? Are we at peace when we know that God is in control or are we too afraid to hush ourselves to be still and listen? The Bible says, "Cease striving and know that I am God;" (Psalm 46:1 NAS), or in another translation, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Knowing He is God should be enough for our hearts and souls to stay calm and be assured of His control.

Let us therefore cease striving, and let God do with us whatever He wants to do. We need not, as with the dentist, keep on finding out or questioning God what He is doing with us. God knows His plans for us, for welfare and not for calamity to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). It is fine for us to ask God for His will or what He would have us do in a situation. It is however not fine for us to doubt God and question Him why He is doing what He is doing.

God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). He is the almighty God, and He need not answer to us His purpose. Let us therefore instead of questioning God, learn to quiet our hearts and be still before Him to seek His will, especially while in a storm. Let us not doubt God’s purpose for our lives, nor fear the storm or the ones who can harm us physically. Rather, let us be assured in God, the One and only Who is all knowing and trustworthy (Matthew 10:28).

Dear Lord, we know we can trust You completely because You are the all knowing God. You know the storms we have faced, the storms we are facing, and the storms we will face. Calm our souls therefore Lord, knowing that You are in full control. Still our hearts Lord and grant us perfect peace that we may stop striving and listen. Guide us each step of the way Lord that we may walk the right path and stop doubting Your purpose for our lives.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/25/10
What a wonderful devotion and a reminder I find myself often needing.
Dana McReynolds
02/26/10
A great devotion with a wonderful message.
Philippa Geaney 
02/28/10
This was a lovely devotion. As the Scripture says "if two or more agree.." I put my hand up.
I read the prayer twice to get it inside. As you say, God already knows (my paraphrase) but I need to get it right inside. Looking back I can see He has grown me; somewhat. --GOD IS SO GOOD.
R Quist
03/02/10
At one point you said, "in another translation" or something like that, and I found myself wanting to know WHICH other translation. But it's an excellent message and prayer.
Sarah Elisabeth
03/02/10
Excellent devotion as always, with a clear message. Thank you for including so many scripture references
Colin Swann
03/03/10
Loved this inspiring devotional. Some really good teaching in this helpful piece of sound instructon.

Colin
Loren T. Lowery
03/03/10
How true this is. You've given the reader something to easily identify with (the dentist) and how we can find peace in any situation, regardless of the fear we might be feeling. Such an invaluable lesson - thank-you!