Be still

[Psalm 46:10] “Be still,  and know that I am God!” [Ruth 3:18] Naomi’s advice was this: “Then she said, ‘Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out; for the man will not rest until he has concluded the matter this day.’ “

FIRST – HALF BAKED IS UNFINISHED, overbaked is spoilt – Timing is everything.

God’s work is never half done! – The job is not finished until he says it is. The art of the comedian is their timing, the same with God but he is not out for humour but holiness. God does not just forgive but makes provision for we cannot recapture what we never had but God will make a new future.

We run against the racetrack of time, thinking we are losing. God MUST do something. As people age they seem to find time quickens. Through all of life there is an impatience for God to work. God’s delays disrupt our peace but not our destiny. Sitting still is the least thing we want to do; surely our legs will atrophy if we do!

God gave Israel a Jubilee every 50^th year, but in Christ every year and every day. He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” [Exodus 33:14]. People think there is a need for God to complete things to prove he is God, but His presence is sufficient.

When God’s creation rest was broken because his works (creation of man) was marred by sin, we find him resting in Noah’s sacrifice (his name means rest). He finishes what he first started. Calvary answers Eden. Ephraim is a cake not turned – half done. God did not rest until he had secured salvation, and still he works to bring in our destiny.

SECOND – SCRATCH MARKS UP THE DOOR.

His apparent inaction is the place of our inner chamber – it proves our trust in God. I visited my daughter’s new home and there were scratch marks on the back door from the neighbour’s dog. Our own back door has marks where the dogs wanted to come in. They were fretting to be with us. God wants to be with us also.

God said, “He makes me lie down” [Psalm 22:2] so that we “fret not” – [Psalm 37:1]. How do we do that for being a spectator of God’s omnipotence tries our patience? First don’t mix with negative people. We eliminate those factors that would throw doubt upon God’s word. Reject human reasoning from well-meaning people who haven’t heard God speak. Second, do not get your peace from the world system of things – money, promotion, honour. Third, don’t envy others in their walk and way of life.

Consider that “His mercy endures for ever” His love will outlast our pain.

Learn to trust God – keep a journal of his answers. “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” [Psalm 37:3]

Many of our lacks are imaginary – it’s what he gives others that disturbs us and shakes our peace. Therefore, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” [Psalm 37:4]. From our first text when Ruth looked for marriage with the man, Boaz, she was advised to sit still until God has worked things out – God always works thing out – in time. “And it came to pass,” – it always will.