I come before you this morning a little humbled. I have read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation many times and in that reading I keep seeking deeper understanding. Lately, I seek understanding so I can share that with you. What did He tell me this morning in prayer with Him? Be still with Me. Receive in faithful trust all I have for you. My love never ends. My love searches your heart and works for you for your good always. Be still with Me and let My love do its good work in you. When you are weary and discouraged, come be with Me. When you are happy, come be with Me. When you lack understanding, come be with Me. When you think you understand, come be with Me. I am all that you seek and I am here.

It brought to mind for me: Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully; even as I am fully known. And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.

In this chapter, Judges 7, we see played out what I’m reminded of Paul writing to the church in Corinth. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.

Gideon was a simple man living in a dangerous and oppressive time. God began to work directly with Gideon and now 32,000 men have gathered to fight with Gideon to deliver them from those oppressing them. In verses 1-7 God reduces down that number to only 300. God’s power, not their numbers will deliver them. God even encourages Gideon by instructing him to go down to where the vast armies are camped and listen. Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. “I had a dream,” he was saying. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.” His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.” v. 13-14.

An amazing battle strategy involving 300 trumpets and 300 jars with torches carried by 300 men who drank from cupped hands in the middle watch of the night. Thats it. While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled. v. 21. As they fled for their lives, Gideon called on all the Ephraimites through messengers and they seized two Midianite leaders.

God is everything that we seek though we know it not. Sometimes in prayer I try to restate for God all I am learning and He is so patient. This morning even I got tired of all my words! I get tripped up so easily! Imperfect knowledge and understanding. How can it not be? I am not God. I want so badly to grow in understanding of God and what does He remind me? I am all that you seek and I am here. Be still with Me.

Here comes my humbling bits. It’s hard to sit still even with knowing God is beside me. He reminded me He is here…be still…receive from Him. So simple. I’m learning Lord!

What is the best advice I can give to you? Be still with God. Bring everything to Him and be still with Him. Wait in silence a few minutes. It’s so hard, I know! We lead busy lives, even those of us who are retired and for whom the clock ticks constantly. I can promise you this from experience: The truth of God’s love for you personally will come into your heart and you will find His peace and His love and His help. Always.