“Be still, and know that I am God.”
If God spoke through a donkey, I suspect he can use Bluetooth.
It was mid-February, I was back from a whirlwind jaunt to Florida. My itinerary:
Friday: Depart house at 4:00 a.m. to catch a plane in Philly.
Saturday: Drive across Florida and back for a meeting with friends of LBC|Capital.
Sunday: Late flight home to PA, arriving 1:00 a.m.
I was working on 3 1/2 hours of rest as I pulled out of the driveway into a cold Pennsylvania Monday morning. A round of meetings in front of me, I was praying for those “wings of eagles” to uphold me, to keep me from yawning my way through my day.
No sooner had I put my car in gear and started up our road, then my car and my phone partnered in a Bluetooth conspiracy to offer up the song I had left last played the day before:
“Be still my soul, the Lord is on your side . . .”
Ahhh . . . the Spirit’s voice in stereophonic sound! My body relaxed and my soul gave a little sigh of relief. This day is going to be okay!
Indeed, God came through in his usual kind way.
Challenges faced.
Meetings held.
Work done.
My day was a delight — energy high, yawns few and far between. Then came the final interaction of my day…
I met with a colleague whom I respect and admire. We covered necessary items and discussed several challenges in front of us. Then there was a pause and these words:
I must tell you with a heavy heart that I must plan my departure from LBC|Capital.
This was not a decision born of frustration. There was absolutely no animosity in his voice. No dissatisfaction. Nothing but respect. This was a holy “must.” It had come after months of prayer, careful counsel, and had everything to do with season of life and the incredible load he is carrying.
Was I disappointed? Only from the “professional side.” This man is a prince, a team player through and through. He brings his best to our campus every single day! So inside the recesses of my soul, I was glad for him, and I told him so.
We prayed and departed; both of us now later into our evenings than we had anticipated. I stepped back into my office to wrap up a few details and then hopped into my car for the ride home — not frustrated — but definitely with a new burden to bear: “Who is going to replace this individual?”
I started my car, totally unaware that my phone and auto once again in cahoots. As I pulled out of my parking space, there came that angelic refrain once again:
“Be still my soul the waves and winds shall know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below”
It was God’s gentle reminder, “I’ve got this. Rest.”
That event occurred over a month ago. God worked it out! Today, there will be a new challenge, but those words still bring comfort and encouragement.
“Be still my soul, the Lord is on your side.”
What’s on your docket today? Big or small you must know the God who orchestrated the Bluetooth Conspiracy is the same God orchestrating your life for your good and his glory. So take heart and take action, but first, “Be still and know He is God.”
Need help slowing down? Why not let the first stanza of that song wash over your soul, or pause for a few and take in the entirety of Selah’s rendition of “Be Still My Soul.”
Be still my soul the Lord is on your side
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In every change He faithful will remain
Be still my soul thy best, thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end