The Power To Be: How To Be Still Through T-E-A-R-SSample

How to be still through T-E-A-R-S  

 

S – SET God Always Before You

Do you ever forget anything? I do. Sometimes I’ll get on an elevator and wonder why I haven’t reached my floor. And then I’ll discover it’s because I hadn’t remembered to push the button. I forget where I’ve put things. I forget the names of my kids. I forget why I went to the other room. And if I’m not careful, I’ll forget meaningful dates or events. If I don’t keep a sticky note or some sort of reminder in front of me, I’m in trouble. 

Several years ago on an August day, I realized how important those reminders were to me. I went about my business as I normally do, but I had a feeling that I was forgetting something. Halfway through the day, I came across a significant document while sorting a stack of papers on my table. It was the first day of school, and I had forgotten to take my kids! Yikes!

Because I hadn’t kept that important information at the top of the pile and smack dab in front of my face, I had to put up with friends and school personnel who laughed at me and questioned my mental stability. 

“Out of sight, out of mind” is a clichéd expression, but it’s proven to be true in my case. 

Unfortunately, that’s also often the case with many of us regarding our relationship with God. If we don’t keep him at the “top of our piles,” we forget that he’s with us. We forget that he wants to help us. We forget that he is I AM. And because of our forgetfulness, we’re troubled needlessly with a load of care. 

David, the writer of Psalm 16:8, knew the key to being still was to have a constant awareness of the Lord’s presence. He did that by talking to God, meditating on God’s words, journaling his thoughts and prayers, telling his God stories, singing praises, proclaiming God’s goodness, and in many other ways. 

As with us, life wasn’t always easy for David. He faced storms, dealt with wicked people, confronted giants, had to make difficult decisions, and wrestled with inner turmoil. But because he knew God intimately and kept him at the “top of his pile,” David was able to trust him. God proved himself to David again and again and will do the same for us.

To learn more about Twila and her book "The Power to Be" at gottatellsomebody.com