Stilling the Heart

Be still, and know that I am God

Psalm 46:10a

I’ve always been fairly proficient at math. I enjoy puzzles and problems that involve numbers. I recognize patterns and can compute numbers quickly. I’m intrigued with equations and calculations.

Except when I’m running.

For some reason, when I’m running my math IQ reduces to single digits. I cannot add time; I can’t calculate splits; I have no idea how to determine pace per mile. If I stop for a Gatorade at a gas station while running, I marvel that the cash register is able to count back change so accurately.

Though the condition I just described may sound like a serious drawback, I have to say it’s one of my favorite aspects of running. Running clears the mind like nothing else. Whether I have a serious concern on my mind or a basic math problem, running removes the problem from my mind and brings me peace.

God calls us to something similar but even more important in Psalm 46. He tells us to be still and know that He is God. Just as our minds empty of troubles as we run, our hearts need to be empty of worldly concern in God’s presence.

I was surprised to learn that the “be still” command is not a suggestion but a rebuke. It is the same command that Jesus gave to the wind and waves when a storm threatened the disciples’ lives at sea. The storm had begun to destroy the boat, but Jesus commanded the wind and waves to be still. Instantly and completely, they obeyed.

Our hearts can be restless and raging just as the wind and waves were that night. Jesus knows that just as the storm threatened to destroy the boat, the troubles in our hearts can destroy us and our relationship with God. I can temporarily clear my head through running, but I cannot change my heart on my own. Only the One who created my heart can still it and cure the problems that take up residency within it. Only God can give the command, “Be still,” and my heart will obey. Let’s go to Him for that peace.

Lord God, I know that You call me to be still, and I know that my restless heart can be destructive without that stillness. Yet, I am powerless to control it. Please give the command for my heart to be at peace. Let me trust in You for total control over my life. In Jesus’ name I pray…AMEN.

Focusing on Jesus

Matthew 14:28-31

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” Jesus said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.

“You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”

Someone once said that running has great power over our lives – it can take us to our highest highs and our lowest lows. I find this to be true in my life. When all things running are going great, I’m on the top of the world. But when running does not cooperate, I’m greatly discouraged. Failures in running tend to color my perspective on life.

We have far greater issues in life, though, than defeats in running. And Peter shows us the difference between focusing on the Lord and focusing on the problem. Jesus invites Peter to climb out of a boat and walk on water. Peter follows the directions but realizes he has a choice – to focus on the Lord or to focus on the water. When he keeps his gaze locked on Jesus, he experiences a true miracle – the ability to walk on water. But when he turns his focus to the water, he faces certain death.

Yet Jesus is right there to save Peter and to gently point out Peter’s biggest problem: not that Peter tried to overcome wind and waves nor that Peter was foolish for trying to break the laws of gravity. No, Jesus tells Peter that his biggest problem is his lack of faith and trust. The Savior of the world is right there to ensure Peter’s safety, but Peter decides that the problem at hand is bigger than his God.

Jesus is as close to us as He was to Peter that night. He promises us in the Bible that He will be with us always through His Holy Spirit. He is close enough to reach out to us when we are standing outside of the boat at 3:00 in the morning, focusing on the waves and presuming that we are facing certain death.

How often do we act like Peter and forget that the One who controls the wind and waves can enable us to walk on water? Jesus invites us to come to Him and is able to transcend the problems and dangers that surround us. He does so to increase our faith and to reveal His mighty power. Let’s turn to Him and ask Him to help us keep our focus where it needs to be.

Dear Lord, you are mighty to save us from anything that we face. And yet, we often choose to focus more on the problem at hand than Your ability to overcome it for us. Draw us close to You, through Your word, through worship, and through prayer, that we might have the right focus. Thank You for blessing us with faith and for forgiving us when we do not rely on it. In Jesus’ name we pray…AMEN.

Treasuring God's Gifts

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:21

As a runner, I boast of strict obedience and discipline when it comes to my sport. On days when I accomplish almost nothing on my to-do list, I invariably can say that I have completed my daily run.

But can I say that I have this level of strict obedience in every area of life? Can I claim that I am disciplined in other areas out of love and passion, the way I am about running? Or do I obey out of obligation and duty?

I am unwilling to cut corners when it comes to running, but when it comes to showing mercy, forgiveness, and patience, I often take an easier way out. When I’m called to be generous with my time and commitment to others, I often do so half-heartedly.

I treasure running and so there my heart is, making sure that it receives top priority. But God has given me other blessings, too, and He has given me the time and talents to take care of those as well. They need to share the place in my heart that I have reserved for running. But selfishly, I don’t give them my whole-hearted attention.

God has called me to give my life to more than just running and He equips me to do what I am called to through His Spirit. But sometimes I want to take the time and talents He has given me and use them for myself. I start to worry about the amount of time I have in my day and look at blessings as schedule interruptions. I treasure that which is temporal and benefits only me. I don’t prioritize the things that are spiritual and could potentially bring eternal blessing to others. And I forget that when He gives me a task or a calling, it blesses me abundantly.

God can and will change my heart and equip me for what He has called me to do. He can turn my heart to treasure the plans He has for me, so that I’m passionate about His work and His kingdom above all else.

As believers, we are God’s hands, feet, and heart. We bring Him to others when we are generous with His gifts. Let’s ask Him for a willingness to do this.

Lord God, thank You for sharing Your love with me, even when I do not deserve it. Thank You that my life is Your priority. Please enable me to be willing to give, live, and love selflessly as Jesus did. In Jesus’ name I pray…AMEN.