BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

Be still, and know that I am God

Psalm 46:10

As I was prepped for my third round of proton therapy for breast cancer, I reached up to grab the overhead bars. Once the technician positioned me, he said, “Don’t move.” As he closed the treatment room door, I waited for the cancer-killing machine to sound.

The equipment started and stopped over and over. My arms became spastic and tired. When the machine finally finished, I broke into tears. I hadn’t moved for two hours. Later, my daughter dropped off some cards from friends to encourage me. Among the cards was a Bible verse, “He [God] says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’”

While I never had to stay immobile for that long again, the discipline of being still showed me how difficult it can be in times of stress and uncertainty.

I could have heard a pin drop in that room, all alone and motionless. God didn’t need to shout to get my attention. As I struggled to get through that challenging round of proton therapy, I heard His comforting, gentle voice.

Now that my life is back to “normal” following cancer and COVID-19, I see once again how the tyranny of the urgent can consume me. I must remember to take quiet moments to recharge, refocus, and not become stressed. And when those challenging days come, as they always do, I will hear God’s voice and take comfort in knowing I’m not alone.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to be still when we need to be still. Please help us to hear Your voice even when things seem overwhelming. Knowing You are by our side brings comfort when we need it most.

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