Let Be and Be Still

The Chinese often use pictures to illustrate things, and I came across a pictograph for the word "busy."  It was actually a pair of pictures: heart and death.  The illustrated meaning is that busy is death to the heart.

 

Elisabeth Elliot wrote this about a busy life: "If we are bent on a mad tear through life, God will allow us that liberty, but He will not tear madly about with us." This reminded me of a recent conversation in which Mr. Bill described watching me in an insane flurry of activity from his recliner, and how the recliner seemed like a much more peaceful (and safer) place to be. Busy may help us meet deadlines, put out fires, and even give us fleeting feelings of accomplishment but it sure kills peace and joy in our hearts. I like the Amplified Bible's translation of Psalm 46:10: "Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God." God doesn't stop desiring to speak to us when we're busy [with less important things], but our busy hearts shut out His Voice. However busy life gets, still yourself and quiet your heart --  "let be and be still."