In the Fast Lane 2023 - Day 1
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Let me first of all say a very Happy New Year to you all! May the Peace of God which transcends understanding, be with you every set of the way in 2023.
I know that after all the festivities and celebrations our New Year, fasting can be such a shock to the system, but it’s not here to make your life miserable. Fasting gives us an opportunity to lay aside distractions and focus on God in the readiness for a new year.
Today and over the next two days, we will take a look at aspects of the above two verses from Psalm 46.
Beginning with ‘Be Still’! Stillness is not something that we find easily in modern day life and yet it is essential for the deepening of a relationship with God. The word ‘Still’ here in the original Hebrew means to: Let go! Relax! Abandon and refrain. This is about ceasing from striving and entrusting yourself to God.
Entrusting your year to God and His care. It is about relinquishing control of things that, in reality, we don’t have control over anyway.
Too many of us don’t mind having God as a passenger, as long as we remain in the driver's seat. I have been there many times, but the reality is...I don’t know what’s best for me or my future, but the One who holds the future does.
Take a moment today, more than one if you can to be still. What does this look like? Find a quiet place, preferably sit down, close your eyes to help avoid visual distractions and just very quietly express your love for Jesus. If all you can manage is a minute then that is better than nothing.
It is good for your soul to find a quiet place with God. May you find a few times to do this over these days of prayer and fasting and may 2023 be a year where you take many opportunities to ‘Be Still’!
Pastor Malcolm Baxter
