One of the greatest life differences I recognize since I have retired is…I see things I never noticed before. When I worked, I worked. I woke up working and went to sleep working. I was addicted to multiple tasks, “get ’er done,” BUSY! For years I wore “Busy” as a badge of honor & prestige. My role models were people going through the day with their hair on fire…doing good things. I told myself; I was doing good work because I worked with men & women with developmental disabilities and I was active in our church. I was Mr. Busy. But along the way, I missed a lot with my family, friends and with Him, my Heavenly Father.

This morning as I read, “Pay attention to this, Job. Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God!” Job 37:14, I identified with Job and this age-old problem. BAM! Right between the eyes. Job could have been doing “good things” too but notice what God says, “Pay attention to this, Job (personal), STOP and consider.” God did not say, “Slow down” but “STOP and consider.”

“Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalm 46:10. Think about it. God wants you & me to be with Him. To spend intentional time in His presence. It is in His Presence that we find, Peace, Joy, Strength, Courage, Confidence, Perseverance, and Rest. Only God can provide these essential qualities of life. But the key is in His Presence.

What if you committed to spending the first 15 to 20 minutes each day, for 30 days, just being alone with Him? You know, “STOP and Consider the wonderful miracles of God.” Put aside your needs and think about Him. For me, nothing works better than God Art. God Art is the special “Kodak moment” of life that only God can do. It’s the sunrise & sunsets that captivate your heart. It’s taking the time to watch the squirrels, birds and even the ants & bees work and wonder, “how do they know how to do all of this?” It’s starting off with, “God You Are Holy & Wonderful. Thank You for Your love & provision. Thank you for Your Mercy & Grace. Thank You.” In short, it’s lifting your heart to Him and saying, “I love you.”

Consider this passage from Isaiah 43:1-3, “But now, this is what the Lord says—He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” God knows us personally. He tells us we will have struggles & problems. He tells us He is the Almighty God and All-Powerful God. And He is the Redeemer (eternal victory) for His children.

As a Believer we can face our day with the confidence of knowing the Promises of Jesus. He told us in John 10:28 “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me” and in Matthew 28:20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” He is Creator & Almighty God!

You don’t have to have a chair by the lake to spend time with Him, He’s right where you are now. “Be Still and Know That I Am God.”