Take a deep breath. A deep, slow breath.

Psalm 46 is a gift to us, written for us before we or our parents were ever stepping foot on this earth. Our lives are full of joys, delights, good times shared with friends and family. And our lives are busy, crammed with work and responsibilities, sometimes to the point where we can’t slow down, and worry is with us all the time. But the very first verse of Psalm 46 reminds us that God is a very present help in times of trouble.

Very present.

What does it mean to be very present? It would seem that either we are present or we’re not: we’re either present or absent. But in this verse we read that God is very present. Not just present – very present. Present to us an our trouble, with us and attentive, our refuge and our help. God is in the very midst of our life, according to this psalm. God is not just around, in the general area, but facing us, side by side with us.

And then towards the end of the psalm, we who are in the midst of troubles – of busyness, fear, worry, sadness, confusion – are told to be still. Be still and “know that I am God.” Take a very deep, slow breath and still yourself. “Know that I am God,” very present to you, right here and right now, your refuge and your strength.

For God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5). God is in the midst of us, and to take that deep breath in, let it settle into our lungs, and then let it out slowly is to slow ourselves down for a moment in wordless prayer. In that prayer we can be still and know that God is God, very present in the midst of our troubles, whatever they may be today or this week or ever.

Blessings to you all,

Michelle

~ by admin on May 10, 2010.

Posted in Monday Morning Meditation