Encouragement to Rest in the Lord

Dallas, TX - During a week off from the regular fall classes, students are reminded to first find rest in the Lord. While Fall Break Mini terms, short-term mission trips, and visits home abound, the most important focus is to be still and to recognize God's sovereignty.

In Psalm 46, the Psalmist reminds the people of God of their security, even in troubling times of strife and chaos; God is refuge and strength. The LORD of Hosts is in control. He alone holds the power to stop wars and shatter the schemes of man. His reminder is simple: "Be still, and know that I am God." It is too easy to forget God's sovereignty, and His benevolence. His plans are to give His people a hope and a future.

¹God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
²Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
⁴There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
⁶Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
⁷The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
⁸Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
¹¹The LORD Almighty is with us;the God of Jacob is our fortress." Psalm 46:1-11 NIV

When life brings chaos and distractions, God is constantly caring for His beloved, never to be forsaken or mislead, so that they will not fall. Be still and delight in His presence today. Turn off your phone, get away from anything that will distract you from His life-giving and unfailing love. It may seem impossible at times to avoid interruptions, but even Jesus had to escape to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and be alone with His Father. Rest in the Lord's presence first, and let Him whisper to you in the quiet of the day. Set aside all interference, and let Him call you to His heart as His beloved creation, saying, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

How are you going to be still this week?