Message summary: It is my prayer that we will find God's peace and rest as our hearts, minds and souls declare today, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him." God calls us to "Be still". One version translates it as "Cease striving" and that's what I tend to do in my spirit. But, O the joy to truly rest in the presence of God; to know that He is God. "Lord please help me and each reader to experience stillness in their souls today."

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"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation" (Psalm 42:5). "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress" (Psalm 46:10,11). "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him" (Psalm 62:5).

Years ago Chelsen Vicari wrote a blog article titled, "God isn’t Depressed by Politics, Even if I Am". Our political situation has greatly worsened since that time and I would also see a good title being "God isn’t Distressed by Politics, Even if I Am"! This is so true after the events of this last weekend. That's why we need to constantly see that our focus is on God.

Yesterday one of our pastors made a point that in coming to a church service, hearing God's Word and singing songs expressing our faith has a way of re-calibrating us.

Do you ever talk to yourself? I do at times and it annoys Brooksyne a bit, sometimes a lot. We work together in the same office and I find thinking out loud helpful. I suppose she sees it as a sign of aging and doesn't relish having an old husband.

I also hum sometimes when I eat which is rather peculiar when I think about it. Brooksyne says I do it because I'm very happy when there's food in my mouth. Generally I find that I'm humming Christian songs whenever Brooksyne points out that I'm humming so maybe that's not so bad. However I hope I don't forget myself out in public and hum while I'm eating around others as Brooksyne tells me it has become very habitual.

Today let's consider talking to our souls. That's Biblical and demonstrated by the Psalmist who, in our first daily text, asks his soul a question and then he proceeds to answer it.

In 1752 Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel wrote the hymn we quote from today over 250 years ago yet her heart's cry speaks to all generations:

The second daily verse is such a spiritual gem. The entire Psalm needs to be read to get the full sense, but verse 10 is in quotes. The eternal, immutable God is speaking: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth".

God calls us to "be still". I've been described as a type-A person and being still is hard for me. One version translates it as "cease striving" and that's what I tend to do in my spirit.

This statement is not merely a one-time assertion but is absolutely always true. There are those who feel they are above God's command: their time is too precious, their presence too valuable to take time away from others to be still before the invisible but powerful Almighty God. As we read this verse today, may we hear God's voice speaking directly to us through sacred Scripture. May it direct us to a quiet place where we are alone with Him.

The latter part of the selection is the Psalmist's response to this truth followed by his declaration of faith, "The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress".

The key is being in a state of stillness based upon our knowledge that the One we have submitted to is indeed God and He will be exalted:

It is my prayer that each of us will experience God's peace and rest as our hearts, minds and souls declare today, "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him".  Oh, the joy to truly rest in the presence of God; to know that He is God. "Lord please help me and each reader to experience rest in our souls today."

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we regularly come to You asking for peace regarding situations that we don't understand or have no personal ability to change. Way too often troubling circumstances capture our emotions and rob us of the peace promised to those who place their trust in You. Help us not to be tossed about by the changing circumstances of our lives, but to be steadfast as we discipline our mind to be fixed upon You. Only then will we know true life sustaining peace while sojourning here below. Amen.

Brooksyne's Thoughts: In light of Saturday's headline news with the attempted assassination of former President Trump my mind has gone in many directions, as I'm sure yours has as well. Our Pastor had a powerful Scriptural prayer in response to the horrific event that took place, and the need to pray for our nation.

In my personal devotions early this morning I was reading in Psalm 12. I found comfort and peace in knowing that we are not unlike generations before or those who may follow. David wrote this psalm to be accompanied by instrumentation in response to what he saw all around him:

"Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth!.....Therefore, Lord, we know You will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land." (Psalm 12:1, 7,8). NLT

We saw the hand of the Lord and heard the acknowledgment of His intervention in many settings and from people of all backgrounds. May His almighty hand not only be recognized and praised for just a weekend, but we pray that many will turn their own hearts to our miracle working God who saves those who call on His name.

"Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest)"  Watch on YouTube  Kari Jobe This is the classic hymn mentioned in the message but with a contemporary bridge.

"Worthy Of It All"   Watch On YouTube    CeCe Winans  Yesterday we ended our church service with this song. What a powerful song to recalibrate the soul!

"Be Still and Know"   Watch On YouTube  CeCe Winans

A good read: God, make me a man like Corey Comperatore