The Music of Buried Streams

May 19

 

By James Ryle

 

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalms_46:10)

 

Travelers tell us that there are rivers flowing beneath the streets of the ancient city of Shechem. During the hours of the day you cannot hear them because of the bustling noise of the narrow streets and the bazaars. But when evening comes and the clamor dies away, and the dew falls on the city, then quite audibly, in the hush of night you may hear the music of the buried streams.

 

Likewise will our hearts hear the music of God’s voice when we dial down the volume of our hurried and worried lives.

 

Some hustle to escape a guilty conscience, while others scramble to get away from the burden of shame. Some, out of a sense of duty, overwork themselves in good causes; hoping to assuage an deep, gnawing feeling of never being good enough. All this, and more, constitute the noise of the streets that block us from hearing what God is saying to us.

 

Yet we must not lose sight of this — the Bible never says to us, “Be busy, and know that I am God.” No. It says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” It is also interesting to note that this verse is couched in the midst of a Psalm flooded with storm, tumult and war!

 

May you find that moment where all is quiet except for God. And may that moment extend its timeless presence throughout the fabric of your life, such that even in the midst of the raging storm and relentless strife — you may yet know that He is God.