Be still and know

Be Still and Know..........

These four words have been a constant throughout my adult life.
No matter what sort of chaos or trouble I seem to find myself in there is a moment when I finally shut up and hear these words.

My Jesus is very, very patient. Persistently patient.
I like to be in control.  Not like crazy, psycho, controlling, hose beast. I just feel like if something is not going the right way I need to step in and fix it. I can get things back in order and under control. Now there are certain circumstances where this comes in handy. For instance, 8 screaming babies and 2 frazzled teachers, I got it. I thrive in chaotic situations I can do it.  Unfortunately my "I,I,I" mentality is not always useful, in fact, it's quite the stumbling block for this Princess. If you know anything about my sense of balance or, let's call it, lack of gracefulness you know the last thing I need is an actual block in my path =)

I am Italian, strike that, Sicilian. I come from a very long line of very loud family. The term "be still" is only relevant if a spanking is approaching. Controlled chaos is my playground. I say "controlled" because I know exactly how to deal with it and if I don't I will figure out a way. So here's the part where God sits back and chuckles at the Princess who's "got this".

There have been many times where my life was turned upside down and I say to God "I will wait" after a couple weeks, days, sometimes hours, the Princess states to the creator of the universe "Don't worry I know you're busy, I got this" So He humors me and lets me fumble around Forrest Gumping my way in and out of what I think "I got this" means, then comes the part where this girl realizes she is running around in circles. I find a moment of solace and in that moment I hear a sweet whisper "Be still and know"

That happened about an hour ago.  I was singing some sweet worship songs when all of the sudden my mind went bananas with all of the things I supposedly have control of and can, or need to, take care of on my own. My mind cleared and my mouth graciously was shut. A peace came over me and I heard once again sweetly and firmly "Be Still and Know"

Now since I have heard this over and over I know what it means.....right???? I decided it was time to visit the dictionary. I looked up "still" and "know". I am in constant amazement at how God knows the exact thing I need to hear and the words that I need to make these things so clear that it is like being smacked in the face. (I'm Italian remember? we need a little extra push) If you have been close to me over the past couple months you know that my life has been a series of ups and downs, quite turbulent, if you will.

With that said I give you the definitions.
Still; verb - Free from noise or turbulence
Know; verb - To be aware of the truth or factuality; to be convinced or certain of

I read those words and this phrase took on a completely different meaning. If you've been in a plane you know that being free from turbulence is the best feeling ever. He's not just saying be quiet and have a moment's peace. This goes way beyond that. I can be physically still but my mind is in constant turbulence. I can know, but am I truly aware or convinced of the truth? Not til tonight. "Be still and know" sounds pleasant but it is a command, one which I usually blow off. I can sit for hours in silence, yes I can, but I am in no way still as it states above. This is a still that only comes from being in His presence. A still that requires me to know that He is holding my hand, holding it in a way that only He can, holding it to keep me still. It's so simple and at the same time so unbelievably overwhelming that someone loves me to this degree. There is a calming safety in grabbing someones hand and theirs holding back. It is simplistically beautiful and so very comforting.

I am so grateful that I had this moment tonight. I needed it more than I knew I did. So here I am holding the hand of the Daddy who loves his Princess more than life itself. The Daddy who gave his life for this little messed up bundle of chaotic noise. He's holding my hand and I am holding His back. Together we continue this turbulent journey. Only this go round, I know the pilot personally and I know that I know He is in control all I have to do is hold His hand and be still.

I will leave you with this: I have an extraordinary presence in my life and I call him Mike Miller. He has been a saving grace to me through the last few months. The prize in my Cracker Jack box, if you will. He makes me laugh, he makes me cry, he makes me think...he also makes me coffee. I love him to pieces.  Back in the day my Miller was in a little movie called "Air Force One" He is the pilot, the captain of this very important vessel. His job is to get the president safely to his destination. The president knows he is safe in the hands of Colonel Axelrod. Hijackers take over and Axelrod knows of the impending danger and makes all the calls to handle the situation. He knows they are approaching the cockpit faster than they can land the plane. Axelrod turns to his crew and with great valor and authority says to his men "No matter what happens we land this aircraft, is that understood"? There was something about this line that just stuck with me. It's funny how this line comes to me almost as often as "be still and know". I get it now and understand how God puts everything into a perspective only this little Dory can comprehend! No matter what happens my Captain will land this plane and THAT is understood.