Thursday, November 13, 2008

Daily Devotions - Thursday, November 13

Responses from Our Souls

“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”

--Psalm 46:10

“Be still” we are told. How can we be still?

• There are leaves to rake and there is very little daylight left when we get home.
• There are only 41 more days until Christmas.
• Fall sports are winding down and winter sports are bouncing into our schedules.
• There are extra programs during the holidays and programs mean rehearsals!
• And then there are all the unexpected things beyond this list.

“Be still” we are told. To claim some centering time each day, particularly when we realize that we aren’t being still, is a healthy discipline. In Islamic religious practices, prayer times are scheduled throughout the day for people to be still. Changing the rhythms of our day could be helpful. It is definitely something to contemplate. In Making All Things New, Henri Nouwen writes, “We often use the outer distractions to shield ourselves from the interior noises. The confrontation with our inner conflicts can be too painful for us to endure.”

“Be still” we are told. May your day (and your coming days) have enough time in them for you to practice stillness!

Ben Keckler
11.13.08

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