Being Still
My 7-month-old is not a big fan of sleeping. Every day, the process begins calmly and adorably enough: He’ll rub his eyes with his tiny fists, squeak a bit impatiently as he plays with his toys. Ten minutes later, though, he’ll launch a full resistance against being put to bed. He cries – he screeches for rescue – he throws the pacifier as far from the crib as his little arm can launch it. Last night found the two of us huddled together in the darkness of his bedroom, going back and forth in the glider-rocker while he screamed in my ear and pulled my hair.
Downstairs, I could hear his 2-year-old brother chasing the dog around the living room. And the background noise for all this merriment? The news, of course. While I fed them their dinners and picked up toys, I kept an eye on the television as the evening progressed and momentous history occurred during this year’s presidential election. This isn’t the first election I’ve had the privilege to vote in, but like many, I found myself conflicted over my choices and all that is at stake. I’ve pored over countless news articles, exchanged ideas and opinions with family and friends, read my Bible, and prayed for direction concerning the most God-honoring way I could cast my vote.
Despite all my endeavors to prepare, I still arrived at the voting booth feeling heavy with responsibility. The road there has often proved to be blocked with a plethora of obstacles that can make one doubt whether there is really a path beyond the hurdles. Like my sleepy baby, I’ve occasionally resisted available peace and let myself sink into the madness of worry, panic, and confusion. While he wails and writhes in my arms, I’ll look into his eyes and think, “Why are you fighting it so much? I’ve got a warm bed right over there for you. I’ll be just down the hall, making sure you’re safe while you sleep.”
It occurred to me last night that even when this gray world can seem engulfed in pandemonium, I too have a place of refuge and solace. Most of us have heard the first part of Psalm 46:10-
“Be still and know that I am God…”
It can be hard to settle into the huge concept that no matter what is happening around us, our sovereign Lord is in control of it all. The rest of the verse affirms it:
“I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Perhaps The Message’s version of it speaks directly to how some of us have felt in recent months,
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”
I think the next time my anxious thoughts threaten to overtake me, I’ll remember this. And like my son finally did last night, I’ll unclench my fists and lean against His chest and be calm.
Written by Guest Contributor Lenae Ross of Just Lenae
