One of the single mothers created this art work.  She is  on the cusp of either having rights for her precious two year old daughter given to her or relinquished forever.  It is truly the 11 and ¾ hour of decision.  The hearing is Tuesday morning.

                  Several weeks ago I handed her a notecard with this scripture, asking her to read and meditate on the whole of psalm 46 which begins and ends with the declaration “God is our refuge”.

                   The question of “why has God (allowed, not stopped such and such, dragged His feet) ” is often as a nagging hang nail in the minds and hearts of those who find themselves in the throes of what has occurred in their lives. Such ruminating simply creates anxiety and immobilization. It is not for us to ask why but rather to surrender to the reality of the situation (not implying we have to like it) and then say “what am I to do now Lord?”

                   The words – Be still – in the English dictionary can mean “don’t move; be quiet”.   

                    The Hebrew definition is “to stop striving; to let go; surrender”

                     Jesus powerfully commands “Peace. Be still!!!”  in Mark 4: 35-41. His panicked disciples awoke Him as they were all being tossed to and fro in the midst of a storm so fierce that even the experienced fishermen feared for their lives.   Their words, “teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” preceded His arising and speaking to the sea “Peace. Be still!”. Immediately there was a great calm. Interesting to read “And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

                     Their fear of the situation was replaced with their fear of the power of Jesus.  When we appropriate fear of the Lord where it rightfully should be, the power of earthly situations diminishes.

                      As I met with this single mother this past week, she gave me this scripture as a gift.  She has done a deep work over these past weeks relinquishing and allowing God to be God.  In many ways she surrendered her little girl on the altar of Mt Moriah.  When we stand with her in the courtroom I pray she will keep that perspective she has so clearly been given by the Lord:  That while we are in an earthly courtroom with a judge presiding over the matter, He is the ultimate Sovereign Judge.

                     “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and through the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea…………Be still and KNOW that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.”