There was a bit of a rollercoaster ride feeling in today’s reading. Overall, the theme of blessing was stronger with only a few jolts of judgment thrown in for good measure. Yet we see that God doesn’t force himself on the people. We start with an almost surprising verse. “So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion.” Is it like a test? Does God want to see how we respond to him?
I had to check another translation because this just didn’t sit right with me. The English Standard Version (ESV) says it this way, “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” That’s better. God is waiting for the perfect time to bless us and bring justice. It’s nothing WE NEED to do. There is no test. But we do need to be faithful and wait ourselves.
We know that God stands ready to shower us with blessings. “For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.” That’s a promise that should help us be more patient in waiting for answered prayer. It should also set as a good reminder we need to rely on God’s help and not be so self-focused. God does reward the faithful. I see it time and time again. I experience it myself as well.
I loved the image of being taught by an unnamed teacher appointed by God. When I first read this I wondered if possibly this was pointing toward Jesus. Especially in light of the promise “he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes.” Yes! Jesus is with us, teaching us, and there were those who saw him as teacher with their own eyes!
The verse that really grabbed me, and that I want to truly focus on today, is what follows. “Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.” We just need to listen. We need to still our minds from the warp speed we live our lives and be still. It says our ears WILL hear him. Not “might” hear, but “will” hear. The problem is often we aren’t listening.
I’ve often said, “I just wish God would draw me a picture, in other words simplify it, and show me the right direction.” Is it possible I’ve missed his voice telling me to “walk this way” because I’ve been waiting for some other confirmation? To be still in God’s presence gives us a chance to hear God’s voice of direction.
Psalm 46:10 is one of my favorite verses, and the inspiration for the title of this blog. “Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” It’s hard to fathom that God, creator of all things, our Savior, and Guide would be interested in me and my direction. But he is, and he is equally thrilled about you and your journey. How are you at being quiet and waiting on God?
Take time right now to close your eyes and just be still. Close out the world and every distraction. Just be with God. What do you hear?
Let’s pray … Lord, I thank you that I can come to you with boldness and awe. Thank you for this moment of peace in the midst of my day. Still my heart. Open my ears to welcome your voice. I’m waiting on you to show me the way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
