But I didn't ask for patience...

It's a standing joke to not ask God for patience because He'll give it to you by filling your life with situations and circumstances that demand just that...patience. I didn't ask God for patience, but lately, He's been telling me to slow down and wait. Wait for what?- that's the question. And every time I think about asking it, I'm reminded of the verse in Psalm 46, "Be still and know that I am God."

Being still is actually very difficult for someone like me. I'm a 'doer' and like to fill my day with to-do lists to check off; I almost feel guilty if I'm not doing. But this verse is pretty clear- be still. Not be busy doing and know that I am God. I was reminded tonight in Pastor Craig's message that sometimes being so busy with the doing, we kind of forget about God. Not forget like there isn't a G0d, but forget like we're so busy and things are so good that we simply don't make time for Him. Craig said it best when he said that God whispers to us in the good times and shouts in the bad. When things are good and all of life seems to be smooth sailing, I can check off my lists and keep busy 'doing' and put God so far down my list that I can't even hear the whispers. But when life gets rough or a situation comes up that I'm not ready for, I run immediately to Him and cry out for His comfort and help- and I hear Him loud and clear.

So right now I'm trying to listen...not that life is bad right now, but I'm hearing Him loud and clear, and have been for a few months now. "Be still, and know that I am God." I didn't pray for patience, but instead of 'doing' I'm earnestly trying to be 'stilling'...only God knows for how long...knowing that He is God... and be still...and wait...and be still...and wait...and be still some more...