Apply the Word: Be Still

Country supergroup Alabama sang:

I’m in a hurry to get things done
I rush and rush until life’s no fun.
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.

In contrast, the Bible never says that Jesus rushed anywhere.  He was usually busy, but found time to pray a lot.  His total ministry was accomplished in three short years, but he found time to play with children, to investigate a fig tree, to take a nap during a boat ride, to rest at noontime beside a well, and to attend a wedding reception.

The Bible does not say, “If you hurry, you can catch up with God.”  It does say, “Cease striving and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10).

Jesus did not say, “Join up with Me and I will work you eighteen hours per day.” Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

If you’re feeling like you can’t keep up with God, like you’re herding cats, like you’re being pulled in a hundred different directions, perhaps you’re not in the right lane.  Slow down.  Take the time to consider God’s purpose, God’s priorities, and God’s plan.

1 Corinthians 9:24 has some fantastic advice:  “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.”  He didn’t say run every which way like a chicken with its head cut off.  A runner has to know God’s purpose, God’s priorities, and God’s plan.  Won’t you “be still” and consider these things?