Be still

This is written by Ciara Holden. She has been at St Mary's for 7 years and has led many a worship session during that time. She is married to the wonderful and creative Dave Holden. She is a paediatric haematology and oncology nurse, and I love my job!

10 He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.'

In today's society we so easily busy ourselves, we're always in a hurry - head down and crack on. But actually, we need to understand the importance of being still. However, the stillness in the verse doesn't only refer to rest but more to 'stop fighting' and battling on our own and to rely on God. Instead of fighting our own battles and cracking on through life in our own strength, we should look to God for help. With that in mind, I think this verse is encouraging us to let go of the things we're holding on to and the burdens we're carrying. In acknowledging God, we can then surrender and put our trust in Him because we understand who He is. He is omnipresent, all-powerful, faithful, merciful and holy. He will be exalted in all the nations for He alone is God. He will bring peace to all.

Tremendous freedom comes from releasing our fears, our anxiety, even our big hopes and dreams to our Heavenly Father. When we surrender and offer all of ourselves to Him, God takes the burden away from us and we are free. In this freedom, we remember that He is Lord above all things, above our stress, work pressure, money issues, mental and physical wellbeing. God is God. First and foremost. He loves us and He is for us.

What are you trying to do in your own strength today? Are you carrying things that are weighing you down? Or are you struggling to be still and to rest?

Find 6 minutes in your day and listen to this track. There are no words, just music. Use this time to speak to God and say all that you need, let go of fear and offer up anything you’re holding onto. And then, wait. Be still. Rest. Know that He is God.