Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."¹

My daughter tends to be a perfectionist and, as a piano student, she obsesses about getting every note right. She is so determined to get her exercises perfect she will practice over and over, groaning every time she hits a wrong note, until the song is played perfectly.

On several occasions her piano teacher has applauded her effort and accomplishment, but has also asked her to stop ... and "listen to the music!" Making sure the tone of each note is played correctly, and seeing that you are holding it for the right count, is just as important as playing the right key.

Sound familiar? We can, like many of the religious Pharisees of Christ's day, do everything right—outwardly—but inwardly our lives are empty because we don't take time to listen to the music—the music of life.

As we are in the Christmas season let us—because of the rush and bustle of this now highly commercialized holy-day season—make sure we be still long enough to listen to the music, the Christmas music. I mean, hear the real message and meaning of the Christmas season.

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end...."²

Suggested prayer: Dear God, amid the rush and bustle, amid the toil and strife, please help me to be calm and peaceful throughout my daily life. Especially at this Christmas season, please help me to be still long enough to listen to the real music of the Christmas season—its message for which I am truly thankful. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Psalm 46:10 (NIV).
2. Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV).

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