Be Still and Know — Robroy Ranger
Summer’s morning heat had just begun to rise on the central coast of a small town in New South Wales, Australia. In shorts, flip flops, and my precious tie-dyed purple shirt, I sat in a wooden pew in the local Baptist church.
Being young, I have no memory of who took me there, much less anything about the sermon or songs. One thing I do remember is looking up at the circular stained-glass window and seeing the words resting below it, “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10.
Half a century later, those words continue to ring in my soul. “Still” and “know” stand out as lanterns in the dark. The natural response to this verse is to argue, but any opposition should be stilled which is done in recognition of God’s glory and greatness. In other words, “shut” my mouth and simply surrender.
As we begin 40 days of extravagant time with Jesus, I want to ennoble you to allow these words to settle into an intentional time that will draw you closer to our savior and help guide us together into the next years. Would you, could you, should you be so bold as to place specific time in your calendar so that it stands above the rush of A1 “tyranny tasks”?
My son and I recently discussed extravagant times. What does the word “extravagant” mean? We wrestled with the idea of it being a tithe of our time – 2.4 hours a day. Jesus may lead you to a different conclusion. However, I invite you to wrestle with that thought as we begin.
May this time develop in us all an unexpected result so deep that it will ring in our souls for half a century.
TIME FOR REFLECTION
What do you define as extravagant time?
What does Jesus say to you about His concerns for these 40 days?
What strategy will you develop in order to fulfill a commitment to this time?
Where will you write and notate what he is saying to you and to our conference?
PRAY
For all participants in the 40 days of prayer. God will inspire us to set aside time to pray.
For our conference to hear the voice of God and align ourselves with His purposes