Be Still

Be still and know that I am God; I will be honored by every nation, I will be honored throughout the world. Psalm 46:10

Circumstances arose that prevented me from having what most consider to be “the best view.”

The wait in line was long. The dry cleaning bag that I was given to wear as “waterproofing” was hot and sticky. The boat was crowded and, to be honest, a little “smelly.”

And then…

I was staring at the magnificent Niagara Falls.
790,000 gallons pouring over the edge EVERY SECOND.

Unless you are there, the experience is simply not fathomable. Few forces equal this power.

The sound level increased as we moved closer and closer until we were deep into the heavy mist. The sound equally comforting and suffocating.

The mist was intense and heavy and blinding and strangely peaceful.

“Look,” someone yelled, “a full rainbow.” I was “in” a rainbow!

I was struck by how steady the deck of the boat was. And then the water churned and the once steady deck jerked under my feet and I was jolted, suddenly having to reach out and steady myself.

And all of a sudden I recognized that I wasn’t safe. Not really. This water was anything but safe. I was literally on a ride that, at any moment, could go very badly and, if thrown into the water, chances of dying were real.

In just a few seconds, God reminded me that He is gentle, beautiful, powerful, loud, awesome, heavy, blinding, and deadly…all at the same time.

What an incredible blessing I received by being denied access to “the best view.”

It’s easy to stand in line and complain about the wait, the heat, the smell, the loss of “the best view.” And, if we do this, we are in danger of missing the glory found “in the falls.”

Today, there will be challenges.

What are you going to do? Complain or look for the glory?

There is incredible blessing found in the middle of the falls, but to receive them, you have to embrace the ride.

Right now, thank God for the ride that you are on.

“Now then, stand still and see this great thing that The Lord is about to do before your eyes!” 1 Samuel 12:16

If you are on the bank thinking that you have “the best view,” maybe it’s time to leave the comfort zone and get into the middle of the falls.

Because…

“Jesus said to the wind and waves ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the waves died down and it was completely still. And He said to His disciples, ‘Why are you afraid?’ and they were terrified saying ‘Who is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him.’” Luke 8

If you are in the middle of the falls, maybe it’s time to look around and see the glory around you.

“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch The Lord rescue you!” Exodus 14:13

You have been prayed for today.