miercuri, aprilie 09, 2008

Be Still




(A music video of Still by Hillsong, original composition by Reuben Morgan)

I
Hide me now, under Your wings.
Cover me within Your mighty hand.

Chorus:
When the oceans rise
and thunders roar.
I will soar with You, above the storm
Father You are king over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.

II
Find rest my soul in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quiteness and trust.

III

Find rest my soul in Christ alone,
Know his power, in quiteness and trust.



What Jesus Did! - Trust vs. Crisis
























Jesus got into a boat and his followers went with him. After the boat left the shore, a very bad storm began on the lake.

The waves covered the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The followers went to Jesus and woke him. They said, "Lord, save us! We will drown!"

- Matthew 8:23-25 (ERV)


THOUGHT:

The biggest issue in this story is not the storm. Just like the biggest issue in each of our crises is not the crisis. It's all about trust. Can we trust the one we follow to provide for us through the storms of life?


But more than that, the issue is whether or not we can trust his protection and care even when he does not appear to be paying attention to our troubles?

The Psalms are full of cries of desperation, pleas for God to awaken to the people's plight, and for God to quit closing his eyes to their problems. But just as God sustained Israel through the storms of destruction and defeat, Jesus, Immanuel (God with us), will also sustain, protect and ultimately deliver his followers.

PRAYER:

O Father, be near and not far. Hear my cries for those who are broken, defeated, and despairing. You alone can lighten their load and ease their burden. You alone can sustain them through their storms.

Please hear their cries and my voice too, as we all offer up our requests for your sustaining and protecting care until the day we are delivered directly into your eternal presence. In Jesus' name I pray.





Related Scriptures:




I look up to the hills {for help}. But where will my help really come from?

My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth.

God will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep.

Israel's Protector does not become sleepy. God never sleeps. - Psalm 121:1-4






Lord, don't correct me in anger.

Don't be angry and punish me.

Lord, be kind to me.

I am sick and weak. Heal me!

My bones are shaking.

My whole body is shaking.

Lord, how long {until you heal me}? - Psalm 6:1-3






How long will you forget me, Lord?

Will you forget me forever?

How long will you refuse to accept me?

How long must I wonder if you have forgotten me?

How long must I feel this sadness in my heart?

How long will my enemy win against me? - Psalm 13:1-2