Being Still - Times of Reflection

"Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)  Sometimes it takes an injury or illness to get many of us to be still.  I am dealing with what most would consider a very small foot injury.  About 2 1/2 weeks ago, I turned my foot over/off of a comfortable, but too large shoe and probably broke it.  I have iced, elevated and rested it while looking at all that was going undone around me.

I have bemoaned the fact that I did not finish my "To-Do List" the day before the injury occurred -  specifically, buying groceries and vacuuming.  The groceries were bought a few days later, but alas, no one seemed bothered by the unvacuumed floors but me!  I have since managed to get that accomplished a little at a time.  During this time of being still, I have had much time for reflection.  I have been able to put in perspective this small injury.  It is simply a blip on the radar of my life.  It is not a permanent injury or loss.  God reminded me of those I know who walk with a walker, who have lost a foot or have to use a cane.  Wouldn't they like to have my little injury instead of their permanent situation?

My own carelessness caused my small injury but God has a way of working something good out of everything.  (And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. . . ." Romans 8:28)  He also uses times like this to still my spirit within me so I can know more of who He is.  I have been still and quiet and have had time for reflection.  God has spoken to me and shown me some areas in my life that need a little work (maybe a lot!).

"My plans" were put on hold/delayed but God has used this time to give me some much needed rest, time to read, relax and reflect.

Isaiah 48:17 says, "This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the LORD your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go'."  We need to be still so God can teach us and direct us.  May we choose to be still and know He is God - choose - without the injury.
 

Is it Okay For Christians to Cry?

Is it okay for Christians to cry, to grieve, to express emotions?  When Nehemiah heard the Jewish exiles, who had survived the exile, were in great trouble and the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, he wept.

Nehemiah 1:4 "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.  For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." 

Nehemiah wept, mourned, fasted and prayed - for some days.  He expressed the emotions he felt for his people and their plight.  He didn't ignore his hurt as we sometimes think Christians should.  We are not being honest if we ignore our emotions.  Are we being immature as Selwyn Hughes says in Every Day Light (pg. 67)?  "Regardless of our spiritual maturity, we will feel the pain of misfortune or loss acutely.  To pretend that we do not is evidence of immaturity."

Go ahead and allow yourself to feel these emotions that come from loss, hurt, betrayal, etc., but don't wallow in them.  Remember Nehemiah's example - weep, mourn, fast if God leads you to and definitely pray.  Then, get busy doing what God leads you to do and maybe, it will be rebuilding a "wall" as it was for Nehemiah.