Stillness at Gate 27

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“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Because of my job assignment, I travel a lot—mostly airline travel. Consequently, I spend much time in airport terminals. This allows (forces) me to have time to meditate, to read, to ponder—and to wait. When I look around at the other passengers gathered at the gate this morning, I wonder if they experience the same things I do. You know—things like the kids at home are sick, money is running very low, conflict with your spouse just isn’t getting resolved, misunderstandings with relatives, car and household maintenance always to do, political elections with ads that run on and on, an inspection coming up, danger awaiting on this assignment, and another deployment about to be announced. . . . . .yea, there’s a lot to think about while waiting at the gate. Too much to think about.

The feeling can come over all of us that we’ve lost control. . . that we’ve reached our limit. We cry out to God and wonder—is there no relief?? “Well, God, I’m WAITING!!” . . . . He says, “Really??”

And in that still small voice, truth penetrates my morning frenzy, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) And this one, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

What if we could take ourselves away from our stress. . . imagine being with Jesus when “He saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them, saying:

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 5:1-10)

It’s sinking in. I’m starting to feel comforted as the words in my open Bible work their way past the turmoil in my mind. I wish everyone in the gate could experience this. I decide to read on:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)

Amazing! He tells us how we can actually be blessed in spite of the trials and the evils that come upon us. And even more—He goes on to say that I have a part in all of this. “You are the salt of the earth. . . .You are the light of the world. . . let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13,14,16)

What a joy, what an encouragement that my Father not only created this earth, but He says that I have a purpose beyond the here and the now, with all of its unknowns and anxiety. His Spirit is speaking to my spirit. I know Who is in control. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) I bow my head in prayer, giving thanks. How could I forget?

My pain is almost gone now, but there’s an insidious danger sneaking up . . .I fear that the pain will return. So I start looking around for its source. My military mind wants to set up a defense against the enemy that can inflict such damage. The enemy’s tactic is infiltration . . . of my mind.

But I know what to do with this: it’s in Ephesians 6: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s scheme.” vs. 10-11

I know a good bit about armor, so I can, in my mind, put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. It’s all there for me.

I think I’m ready. They make the announcement that the plane is ready to board. I’ve gone from anxiety to peace. It’s been quite a journey, and I haven’t even left the gate. I pick up my bag, and my heart relaxes with a refreshed joy in my mind, “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Questions to Share:

1. When your mind tends to wander in the direction of worry, do you have some scripture memorized to call you back to truth? Could you start with any of the verses that are in today’s devotional?

2. Pray that you and your spouse will make it a priority to “be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7)

3. Tell each other how you have gone from anxiety to peace because of the presence of the Lord in His Word.