Psalm 46:8-11

“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” vs. 10

The psalmist advises stillness in the midst of turmoil and confusion, but not mindless silence. The quiet time he has in mind might be considered mindful meditation, those precious moments of rest that come when we reaffirm our full confidence in God. For some it’s helpful to find an environment where they can be free of distractions and can focus fully on the Divine Presence. The Desert Fathers found such places out in the wilderness away from cities and crowds. Some of them lived in caves with bare necessities and spent years in their interior contemplations. In our time it’s possible to go away for weekend silent retreats or spend time in monasteries or convents. When that can’t happen most of us count ourselves lucky to find even a few minutes in a day for serious reflection and prayer. We need those reflective moments most during those times when we feel as though we’re running out of hope and there seems to be no plan or purpose to the chaos we see all around. In the intense helplessness of that struggle, at the moment of greatest discouragement, perhaps the best direction we can get is what psalmist offers, “Be still, and know that I am God!” Others might put it this way, “Take a deep breath, count slowly to four, and let God be God.”

Thought for the Day: When has God reassured me during silence?