Be Calm, My Soul

 


The prophet Habakkuk asked God why evil was so rampant, and why evil people were prevailing against Gods own chosen people - legitimate questions, and familiar ones. Who hasn’t asked God why they’re not doing well when someone no more worthy (maybe less) appears to be thriving? Who hasn’t asked God why things seem messed up and unfair?

 

What Habakkuk did after he asked his questions seems very important for us today:

 

…“I’ll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I’ll wait to see what God says, how he’ll answer my complaint.” Habakkuk 2:1 (The Message).

 

I don’t know if Habakkuk really climbed up the city walls to the lookout tower or if he was speaking metaphorically, but I think he meant he was going to get ready for God’s answer by removing himself from the busyness and activity of everyday life, and put his mind in a place where he could see a bigger picture, and have a clear perspective.

 

And then he said “I’ll wait…to see what God says”. He didn’t say he would busy himself trying to make something happen, or keep working on the problem to figure it out on his own but “I’ll wait…to see what God says”.

 

He spoke his piece, then let it be. 

 

What’s your lookout tower – where do you go, physically or mentally,  when you need to hear God?

 

Can you ask God for direction, answers, help – then give Him a chance to answer without interfering, or continuing to cogitate and scheme?

 

Can you do this with interpersonal issues in your life - ask your question, speak your piece, then let it be?

 

Be still (calm), my soul!

For God will undertake to guide

   the future surely as the past.

Your hope, your confidence,

   let nothing shake;

All now mysterious shall be clear at last.

         Katherine von Schlegel (1855)

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that we can come to you with all our cares and concerns, thoughts and worries, griefs and frustrations. Help us clear our minds to hear you;  give us patience to wait for you, and confidence that you are in control and will answer us. Amen

 

Joy Christian


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