Be Still and Know

**Posted the day after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newton, Connecticut that took place on December 14, 2012.   A 20 year old man shot and killed his mother in her home and then proceeded to a local elementary school where he opened fire killing 20 children, ages 6 and 7, and 6 adults before taking his own life.  This was the 2nd most deadly school shooting in U.S. history.**

Although I despise the evil of the tragedy that took place yesterday, I do love how it unites us...the whole country mourning for the lives of these precious souls in a time leading up to Christmas that should be nothing but full of celebrations.

This does, however, reinforce something that God has been talking to me about this week. In my quiet times this week of praying and talking to Him about interrupting, He also whispered to me in His comforting voice, "Jerolynn, you interrupt Me too".  Just writing those words down on this computer screen shakes me to my core.  It’s difficult to realize that I've missed out on vital information, loving rebukes, powerful encouragement, wise advice, and tender caressing while busying myself with useless activities. Don't get me wrong…I know that my life has moments of giving my all to Him, but my days are also filled with things my soul does not need, although my flesh thinks it does.

This has led me to pursue daily moments of stillness before Him like never before and never before have I been so overwhelmed by His peace in my life.  I've been focused not just on sending up my prayers, but asking and listening to Him lead me in my prayers. He is so faithful!

Now, more than ever before, in the midst of all these debates about this shooting, may I encourage all of you lovely ones to shut off the TV, stop surfing the internet, and sit in His lap and ask Him to help you understand all of this from a godly perspective.  Maybe you feel the need to do something....ask Him!  He will have the perfect idea and it's guaranteed to help you heal and to reach out to others.

~Jeri Heintz