Because of her arrival at a railroad station, a lady had but five minutes to make connection with an outgoing train. As she ran toward the train, a Pullman car porter waved to her to slow down and said, "Lady, you better take it easy or you are going to come down with Americanitis." "What's that?" gasped the lady. The porter answered, "I can't tell you what it is, but I can tell you how it acts; Americanitis is running up an escalator!"

Have you ever seen anyone running up an escalator? Sure your have. Perhaps you have been guilty of it yourself--trying to catch that plane or get to that interview. So many of us are getting nowhere fast--like ants disturbed on an anthill, we scurry hither, thiter, and yon. Taut nerves are snapping, and over-wrought minds are cracking, with the result that there are more mental patients in hospitals than any other kind.

And then we hear a voice--not just any voice, but the voice of a prophet from long ago. We hear him say, "In returning and rest shall you be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15. But that's not all! There's more! "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

But we complain to the Lord about how hard it is to be still with all that's happening in our world. The information highway beckons to me; she lures me to her side with promises of news, current events, juicy gossip, politics, entertainment, sports, weather, and a wholoe host of other facts. Shouldn't we stay up-to-date? And then we hear it again: "Be still and know that I am God."

Its true. this is a fast-paced society. We have to keep up or be left behind. There are schedules to keep, deadlines to meet, projects to complete. The prize is always to the swift. Everyone wants it ASAP. The pressure is on to produce in record time. There it is again: "Be still and know that I am God."

But Lord, You don't understand. My mind is more preoccupied than ever. It is so difficult to concentrate for even a few moments. I find myself thinking of the day's activities--appointments, goals, chores. I know I must focus and learn to listen to You. If only I could push out of my mind these annoying distractions.

Oops, there it is once more: "Be still and know that I am God." But how can one be still when the wolrd is so filled with constant racket? Highway noise, sirens, car stereos, television, crying babies, cell phones, factory whistles, lawn mowers, chain saws, barking dogs. There's no end of clamor. Even nature offers no relief, for there is always the distant sound of the call of the wild.

And then I hear it again. Only this time the voice is softer. "Be still and know that I am God. Know that I am. Know that I am in control. Be assured that I am with you. Be confident of My presence. Rest in me. Let me soothe your troubled mind and calm your anxious fears. Be still and know that I am God."

I take a deep breath. relax my soul, and rest in His reassuring arms.