“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:9-10
A couple of weeks ago, I read a devotion by Pastor Chuck Swindoll and he shared a story about Ken Stabler who years ago, was one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the history of the Oakland Raiders. He was a swashbuckler and his nickname was the ‘snake’ because he was as swift and sneaky as a snake in the swamp as he was on the field. Ken Stabler knew one speed in his life; full throttle, full speed ahead. He owned a speedboat and it had a sign on its dashboard that warned all passengers; “Get in, sit down, shut up, hang on”. If you got into his boat, it was full throttle and those eight words meant what they said.
Those eight words aren’t similar with the above words that David wrote in Psalm 46; “Be still”. I recently read that Kenya has sent another 200 police officers to Haiti to hopefully increase its efforts to help other police officers to bring an end to the gang led chaos in the streets and neighborhoods of Haiti. Many of my friends living in Haiti and also here in the U.S. are eager to see that chaos ended now; tomorrow at the latest. Like Stabler’s words, we want those officers to lead us to action. Stabler’s words lead to action, David’s words tell us to “Be still” and let God work His plans and then we have eight words from Jesus in Matthew 11:28 that tell us; “Come to me…I will give you rest”. Eight calm words from David. Eight restful words from Jesus, who never rushed anywhere. How unlike those eight panic filled words from the Stabler speedboat! We must believe that the end to chaos in Haiti will end soon in God’s perfect timing. Be still.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay