Submitted by Toni JohnsonSongofGoodNews

By Hans Peterson

I have always been drawn to the Bible verse, “Be still and know that I am God!”  (Psalm 46:10)  The simplicity of the melody and lyrics of the song offer meditative and prayerful moments for me.  Whenever I hear or sing this song, I am reminded of a particular Wednesday evening closing worship time when I first served as a Confirmation Pilgrim.  The sanctuary was dark except for a few flickering votive candles lined up on the altar rail.  As we all quietly gathered together, Phyllis Huber was singing this song as she played her guitar.  Her strong, clear, resonant voice so beautifully articulated the words, moving us all to a time of prayer.  We were slowly breathing in the quiet, calm and stillness, finding peace in His presence.

God calls us to those moments of quiet stillness, to find those “holy spaces” in our busy lives, to know Him, to acknowledge Him.  God calls us to be instruments of peace in a world of raging conflicts, a world ravaged by disease and destruction.  This reminds me of Jesus calming the storm with His words “Peace! Be still!”  (Mark 4:39)  God calls us and gathers us, lovingly, “as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings” (Matthew 23:37), and it is there, in His protection, that we find the grace of stillness and peace.

Heavenly Father, Help me to invite you into my life daily, giving heartfelt thanks for your constant presence and knowing you as the great I AM.   In your holy name, Amen