One of the most difficult practices to develop is stillness; stillness not only in our bodies but in our minds. Calming and quieting ourselves so we can listen. Moses told the Israelites to stay calm and watch. What would they see? The Lord at work!

Psalm 46 is also an invitation to be still. The writer of the psalm outlines the chaotic condition of the national climate, inviting the reader to be still and see God work. The promise? God will be honored in every nation throughout the entire world.

Another invitation to come into the presence of the Lord is found in Psalm 100. While stillness and calm are important, thanksgiving opens the way into God’s presence here.

¹Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! ²Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. ³Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. ⁴Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. ⁵For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 100

The middle verse of this psalm is paramount in importance – acknowledgment that the Lord is God! Not only that, but we are his creation, we are HIS PEOPLE!

As you begin your day, sit with that reality a bit. He made you and then claimed you for his own! He didn’t sell you to someone else, he didn’t discard you. He treasures you!

And that is a great way to begin this Wednesday!