30 days of Being Still....Day 3

My husband is a big nerd.  He loves all things electronics, can name pretty much every super hero (and tell you their alter-ego and origin story), and can kick my butt at Super Mario Bros.   I am greatly amused by his love for all of those things.  It makes me so happy to see his face light up when he teaches to our girls about all of these nerdy things.

Part of their "Superhero Indoctrination" is in our house every night before bed (after Pjs, teeth brushing, and story time) he and girls sit on our big chair and watch an episode of Batman together (my presence is not required, or even noticed, really, which is just fine with me, but usually I stay b/c let's face it, Batman is pretty cool:)) They love this family time and can't get enough of "Batman time".

Last night, we were running late with homework, Awana verses, dinner, and the bedtime routine.  By 7:45pm, I was done and ready to nix the whole "Batman time".  Earlier in the day, I didn't have time to "Be Still" with God  (very diplomatic way of saying, it wasn't a priority, so I kept pushing it back until here we are, the end of the day).

B/c I skipped that time, I was not feeling very full of patience.  Right as I was about to lose it and cancel "Batman time" for the night, I looked over and saw my Bible and prayer journal sitting on the coffee table.  That was an instant reminder that I had completely forgotten about God for the day.

I really started feeling convicted when I realized that I actually spend more time with Batman every day on a consistent basis than I do with God....I mean, Batman's a great superhero, but he can't even be compared to the Lord of the Universe.

So 3 days in, I have already stumbled and completely failed at "Being Still".  I got so busy with other stuff, most of which doesn't really matter (sorry, Batman, it's the truth), that I didn't even stop to realize the reason I was cranky was b/c I was doing this all from MY strength and power, not from God's.

Here's what God showed me as I chose to forego "Batman time" and do my devotions and prayer with God: Spending time with Him won't ever become an important habit if I don't acknowledge I need Him.

In looking at the 46th Psalm; if I don't recognize that HE is my refuge and strength, then I simply wander aimlessly until I get tired and give up b/c on my own, it's not happening.

Another thing God showed me, was that I don't need to be guilty that I didn't meet with Him earlier in the day.  What I need to be is thankful for His never-ending, perfect grace.  I am not going to let the enemy use this guilt to keep me from being still.

So what, I failed only 3 days in, but part of "Being Still" means that I ask for God's forgiveness, and remain still in His grace, love, and presence.  But, thank God, There is always tomorrow!

Psalm 46

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth.[b] A song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.