I woke up this morning in a bit of a funk. Life is off-kilter right now and I can’t fix it. I’m a mom of a grown son and a prayer warrior to a friend. It seems this should qualify me as “fixer of all things.” But it doesn’t. What can I do when I receive an email from a friend whose health update is not what we prayed for? And how can I make something about the Coronavirus a positive when it’s messing with all kinds of plans? I feel discouraged.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog about being still. Fast forward to today and the unknown of life continues to happen all around me and I can’t fix it. I’m off balance. I have taken my eyes off Jesus and put my gaze on my circumstances.

What can I do? How can I calm my heart and comfort my spirit? Simply put, I need to be still. I need Jesus. When I am still, my focus returns to Him. For some reason, this is a lesson I have to learn over and over. 

A simple practice I use in my stillness is to say the name of Jesus aloud. Saying the powerful name of Jesus brings me into His presence and it soothes my soul.

Things may not immediately be fixed or even fixed at all. But the amazing name of Jesus gives me renewed strength and somehow this gets me through. In my stillness, discouragement sweetly turns to a quiet joy.

Being still is like a drink of cool water in a dry land. After the first sip, I know it’s what I need. It makes me long for more. Likewise, the presence of Jesus refreshes my weary soul. And I know the pursuit of Him is what puts things back in order for me. The powerful name of Jesus is greater even though today is hard.

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

Looking out the window this morning, I am observing one of the most beautiful beach days ever. The emerald green ocean sparkles with baby whitecaps. The beauty is almost too much for my eyes. Birds are fishing. Dolphins are frolicking. The light cool breeze sings an oceanic rhythm no musician can create but would love to duplicate.

In my mind, there is no doubt who created this wonder. Stillness abounds everywhere, yet the earth proclaims the magnificence all around.

I wonder. Is this beauty present every day? If yes, how do I miss it?

While the rest of the world is busy about its business, I sit. In the quiet of the moment I sense God’s presence. I know He is near. But why must I be still to truly experience it?

Perhaps this is what God is telling me right now. I AM here. I AM present.

Perhaps this is what He is always telling me and yet in my frenzied host of activities and endless task lists, I miss it. Or rather, should I say, I miss Him.

No matter my view. No matter my circumstance.

Help me God to be still today to see You.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

My prayer today: May you (God) be exalted today among the nations. May you be exalted in the earth.” (taken from Psalm 46:10)

The song Jingle Bells has it right… “Dashing through the snow…” It may not be snowing where you are but this time of year, most of us feel like we are dashing  — to somewhere, something or someone. Honestly, some years I’m dash-ier than others. I don’t know about you, but Christmas came quickly this year. Yet, no matter how busy December gets, I love reading and pondering the Christmas stories found in Matthew and Luke.

A couple of days ago, I was reading Luke 1 which foretells the birth of Jesus.  When you get a minute take a look at verses 26-38. (Luke 1:26-38) These are some powerful verses because there are so many facts in this short passage. It clearly answers the ‘who, what, where, why, when and how’ curious minds want to know. If you were a news reporter, you would love this account.

In Luke 1, we meet Mary and learn the name of her upcoming baby. We discover when and where this blessed event occurs. God uncovers his plan: a Savior for the world that will last forever. We see all persons of the trinity through the presence of our Sovereign God, the birth of our Savior Jesus and the power of our Holy Spirit. In these remarkable verses we realize that although Mary is confused, she still trusts. We rejoice in the greatness of Jesus and the coming of His eternal kingdom. We witness an empowering of the Holy Spirit who is still working in our lives today. We are given the great promise, “For no word from God will ever fail.” 

My prayer for you this Christmas and the coming year is that you will BELIEVE. Believe our Savior Jesus was born. Believe God uses ordinary, confused people, like you and me, to accomplish His  purposes. Believe the Holy Spirit’s power is actively working in you and me to do great things. Believe that even though the world is dashing by, God is working in unimaginable ways.

May the love of baby Jesus who came to earth be real to you this season. Best wishes to you and yours. Susan