Exalt is a word we rarely use in today’s culture. Probably because we don’t have much to exalt.
Just to be sure we all know what is being discussed here I looked up the definition, like any good Webster would do.
Among the definitions is: raise in rank or power; praise highly; make lofty or noble; revere; pay homage or reverence to, and honor.
The only one I can think anybody should rightly exalt is God Himself.
Unfortunately, too many people exalt someone famous, like an athlete or singer. While I can understand being impressed by athletic prowess or musical ability these folks are bound to fail at some point.
God, on the other hand, will never fail. Oh, He might disappoint us when He doesn’t do what we want the way we want Him to, but that’s our own selfish desire being lifted up, not God.
Okay, so now that we have an understanding of what exalting is how do we exalt God?
The answer will probably surprise you.
According to Psalm 46:10 all you have to do is be still. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted among the earth.”
Ouch!
When was the last time you were truly still?
That’s what I thought. Being still isn’t something practiced on a regular basis in today’s culture. Being busy is normal.
That’s why God designed illness. It’s the only way He can get many people to be still for a change.
That’s what I like about my truck driving life. When the traffic is behaving on long stretches of highway I can let my mind slip into neutral and be still for a time while I’m being paid. It’s a win/win situation.
God exalts himself so many ways in those moments. Sunrises and sunsets are the most obvious ways.
Sunbeams streaming down between the clouds are incredible sights to behold.
Wild flowers and animals are fantastic ways God shows up.
Then there is that small, still voice I hear; not always audibly, but it’s clearly God speaking.
A thought can get me thinking about and/or praying for somebody.
Song lyrics I’ve never heard before enter in, as do story details.
A solution to a problem suddenly appears.
It’s time like that when I thank God because I know He is the giver of all good things.
Sleeping is another time when God comes to me and I exalt him.
I have dreamed scenes to a book I’m writing…or God lets me know I need to write soon.
Song tunes and lyrics occasionally are playing in my mind as I wake up.
Of course it’s easy to exalt God after a great night of restful sleep.
Sometimes I chastise myself for not doing more to become successful enough to get away from the driving life I’ve been in most of my adult life.
But then I think about the trade off. If pushing to be a success in the world’s eyes takes me away from exalting God as much as I can then it’s not worth it.
I don’t want it to sound like being successful is a bad thing. I still want to get away from this driving life so I can have more time to do more writing.
My point is for folks to simply slow down enough to be still as a habit.
Not so we get less done but just so God is exalted more.
I’ll see you later. Wade
