Be Still and Know That I Am God

John 16:20-22 Jesus said, "20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God.

Jesus, My Dearest Heavenly Friend,
Thank You for speaking the truth to me today. I’m resting on Your promise that this present pain will turn to everlasting joy when I’m united with You in Paradise.

Today, I ask for patience to bear the cross of grief and pain. Intense pressure overwhelms me. In anguish, I cry out to You for release! Swallowed in a sea of sadness, I beg You my constant and trusted Friend to soothe my sorrow. Faithfully stay with me through the duration of this crucial life-changing event.

With You by my side, I’ll grip Your strong hand, and inhale Holy Spirit power. Totally consumed by You, I’ll concentrate on the joy that lies ahead. I’ll hear You say, "Be still and know that I am God. I’m right here by Your side. I won’t leave You. Breathe."

With my mind focused on the prize of Paradise in front of me, I’ll take a deep breath and see beyond today’s pain to tomorrow’s pleasure. My sorrow will soon subside. My fears will be long forgotten. My grief will be gone forever. O how I wait with great anticipation for the day when pure joy replaces these bitter tears of sadness. I just want to live happily ever after with You, Jesus. Until then, please give me more faith to rest on Your promises and trust in Your Almighty Name. Amen.

Today, I carry the cross of pain and grief for several sisters in Christ. Perhaps you’re carrying a cross too, either your own, or someone else’s. Rest in the promise that your grief will turn to joy. Reflect on the lyrics to "Be Still My Soul."

"Be Still My Soul"
By Catharina von Schlegel, 1697- ?
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897
Copyright Public Domain

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy 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.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, be leaving, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.