Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a project desperate to quit? Or have you seen someone in the background that you believe to be more qualified to fulfill your commitment? There are a ton of reasons why we step away from projects…there are even more emotions associated with those decisions.
Almost 7 months ago, I resigned my membership at a church and concurrently gave up my position as the Director of Women’s Ministry. It was an angst-filled decision that came with a small measure of relief.
I truly love women’s ministry and all that comes with it. However, I needed to step back from the ministry in order to focus more fully on what God had for me and my family. In listening to the Lord and resigning, I gave up serving in a capacity that I adore.
Since then, I’ve felt like I’m floundering without the ministry position. Frankly, I’m a series of contradictions. I’m sad to not be involved, but I’m ecstatic to hear news of how well the ladies are doing without me. I’m unsettled without teaching, but content to wait on the next chapter. I’ve struggled to define purpose, but recognize that there is purpose around the corner.
I’m a happy, relieved, lonely mess that is floundering without a ministry.
Psalm 46:10 (NIV), “Be still and know…” is a much-quoted verse for Christians who are focusing on being still and quiet. In the past, I’ve typically used this particular section of the verse to settle myself; essentially so that I stop trashing around making my own way.
In the season of floundering without directly contributing to a ministry, this seems a like it would be a good section of scripture to focus on.
Digging into the verse, I’ve realized that not only does God want us to be still (to be quiet, to rest, to sit still), but rather He continues with a very important portion of scripture that I’ve often glossed over. “…and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Because the psalm was written during war, it is likely there is messaging to Israel concerning her enemies. Knowing who God is requires acknowledging that He is in control of the outcome of all things. Thus, there is no sense in worrying over the fighting as God will take care of it.
In light of knowing God and what He is about, it’s much easier to understand being still & knowing as not just sitting still, but rather to stopping the fighting of circumstances…to stop doing things our own way and to know God will control all aspects of the fight.
If I’m truly still,
If I’m truly knowing God,
Then I truly stop trying to do it my way.
And that is comfort to my heart when I feel like I’m floundering without a ministry.
What areas of your life do you need to be still and know God in this week?
~Emily
“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ~Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Iron Porch 