Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10
It was a gentle reminder. One Sunday before we chose to step back from the busy world of full-time ministry, we were driving to church and heard a soft “ding.” A quick look at the dash told us why. Our car has a built-in thermometer and when the temperature dips to 39 degrees, it sounds a soft chime to let us know that the temperature outside has reached a point where the roads might be slippery because of ice or snow. It is a great idea because sometimes we get too busy to notice and then, well, it can lead to a mess. I wish life sometimes had a little “ding” too. Let me explain.
A while back I had one of those crazy schedules that was just jam-packed. I knew it was going to be busy. I knew it was going to be crazy but for some reason that didn’t make me hit the brakes and slow down. It all started on Monday…well, make that Sunday. Sunday for me was preaching twice Sunday morning but that particular week we also had an evening service to prepare for a special event happening at our church…which was part of the crazy. I spent the afternoon getting Grits ready for that week and the next…so, add in a little more crazy. Now back to Monday. Monday, I had the privilege of officiating at the funeral service for a church member who happened to be a good friend too. Because of that it was especially emotionally draining for me. I felt the loss…we all did.
I returned to the office that afternoon and finished out the day and woke up early on Tuesday to speak on “The Baptist Hour,” a radio program that we sponsor on the first of every month. Then it was off to the office to prepare for the rest of the week. In the late afternoon, we packed our bags to attend a state meeting two and a half hours away. We arrived that night, slept and woke up to a twelve-hour day of conferences and meetings. It was just about then I should have been listening for the little warning chime because certainly it was going off.
Thursday morning began with more meetings before leaving for home. After driving for two and a half hours, we got back in time to serve at our outreach event. I was one of the speakers and we got to the church at about 5:00 pm and got home about 10:30 pm. Friday, the day I usually call my day off, was filled with more study and a return trip to the church for the event. Was that a “ding” I heard? Then Sunday…well, it was Sunday, and our first service began at 8 am.
Now all of that wasn’t written to whine about a crazy week…it was to warn you that, chime or no chime, when things get crazy…be careful you don’t. So, like the chime in my car, I needed something to let me know it was time to restock, to replenish. While God doesn’t give out chimes, He does give us His Spirit. I love a verse tucked away in Psalm 46:10. It says, “Be still and know I am God.” Be still…literally, “stop striving” and know that He is God. He wants to be our warning chime but to hear Him we must slow down and listen.
I shared a quote a couple of weeks ago, but didn’t personally apply it. It said, “Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is take a nap,” or maybe just get away. So, after church that Sunday, we did a little more crazy. We packed our bags and headed to New Orleans for a five-day cruise. We were grateful for a time to physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually recover. This quiet time was a gift from God to us…a time to be still and know that He really is God. I hope this story will help you stop before you reach the tipping point. But if you do, if we do, at least we know, no matter what, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 