Going Squirrelly? It’s time to be still and know
Squirrels are fascinating creatures. They are active and curious little rodents that are fun to watch until they get problematic by eating your horse tack or deciding to make homes in your granary. My father always said, “they were cute for pest-infested vermin.”
I’m always amazed at how much energy squirrels seem to be and how frantic their lives are. It appears that they are always scampering here and there, and on the odd occasion when they aren’t moving, they sit there and scold you.
There is a little squirrel in each of us. We are cute until we get into trouble, we rush here and there, and we can make a lot of noise even when we are stationary.
I’m not sure what drives people to live such frantic lives. We are constantly rushing here and there and seldom content. There is always something bigger, better, faster and newer to pursue.
I know people who make me tired by telling me what they “have to do today.” It is as if they have to cram 24 hours of living into the next eight hours. They run nonstop out of fear of missing out on something or behind left behind.
Sometimes, we need to stop. Stop to catch your breath and remember who we are. Stop and remember that the picture is bigger than the crisis of the day or the new thing we are pursuing.
There are very few situations where disaster will befall our loved ones and us if we take a few minutes to catch our breath. The old maxim says, “we need to stop and smell the roses.”
As much as I like roses, there is an even bigger thing to stop for.
The Bible tells us to be still.
Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a
We need to take time to remember who God is and be reminded that He is in control. Be still and know.
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4
The Lord is the one who sustains us.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you 1 Peter 5:6-7
Stillness before God is an often neglected Christian discipline. I confess it is one that I find difficult, but I am seeking to do it more often. When I do take the time to sit and spend time with Him, my heart rate slows, my mind clears, and I feel rejuvenated.
In those moments when I stop squirrelling or chasing the hamster wheel in circles, I can remember that I am not the centre of the universe or responsible for everyone and everything.
There is a tremendous physical, emotional and spiritual blessing in taking the time to be still and remember that He is God.
Take some time to do that today.
Praise His name.
Be Blessed