“Shh…be still”….It’s what I’ve been telling my soul lately and the baby too, as she attempts to kick her way off the changing table. Those two words, are much more than mere language, they’re a way of life. A way to a meaningful kind of life.
I’ve been seeking and I sense something stirring. It’s a quiet beckoning, a silent nudge, a whisper of invitation to; come away and draw closer to what’s holy and divine. To silence all the noise, so I can hear His still small voice.
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
[Mark 6:31]
To intentionally put down the lists, lean in like Lazarus at the table and awaken to the Word – “Be Still.” To let go of our plans and intentionally pursue His presence and peace. To stop all we’re doing and come start communing.
In this overly stimulated world, the very things that attract us, often distract us; keeping us driven and striving for more. I find the more I fill my plate with, the less filled I feel – I need my seeking time, it’s my personal sacred, still place.
I don’t want to live my days; dry, weak and weary. I want to live them daringly in Word and bravely in worship; receiving strength from the wellspring of what’s been Written. Because His rest is what restores us. Rest-ores us to live out our purpose with strength, grace and courage.
In all the hustle and bustle, we long for what’s serene, but if we refuse to make room for stillness – our hearts will be so preoccupied with all the commotion around us, that it begins to happen in us.
Still:
{Adj} – Remaining in place or at rest, stationary, free from sound or noise; peaceful,
tranquil, calm.
{Verb} -To quiet, subdue, or cause to subside (waves, winds, commotion).
Being still, is not a luxury, it’s a necessary lifestyle! More than a single, quiet moment in one’s day; being still is living in a continual state of quiet and calm.
But how do we do attain this sense of complete serenity?
I certainly don’t intend to downplay the discipline of devotion time. But, that in itself is not enough to truly, ‘be still’.
This series came about as I’m becoming more aware of my need, (as well as those around me), for renewal, for rest, for times of refreshing and I’ve been searching scripture and pondering how, being still; is more of a life-style, a mind-set, a heart-condition.
If we’re going to run this race with endurance and perseverance; we must condition our hearts to be strong – yet restfully still. Because strength and stillness work together. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” [Isaiah 30:15]
This conditioning requires effort and focused energy to truly rest, relax and be still. “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest.” [Heb. 4:11]
Perhaps this topic is so near and dear to my heart as I personally struggled through years of insomnia, (too many to keep track and in between those years; a season of terrible anxiety).
I’m hesitant to speak of such messy topics. But my experiences, especially the gritty and muddy ones, are not only my story. They’re His story, about and for – His glory. He is the author, who scripts our stories to reveal the Gospel – the One story that saves, heals, redeems, restores and sets free!
In this series, we’ll search, seek and study scripture together; to be still, stand still, sit still and serve with a still heart. We’ll stand on God’s promise of peace and seek our part in the process. Praying today and all this week as we ponder the word ‘Still’. May He begin to prepare our hearts to hear and receive the Masters calling, to simply, be still.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10]
For more of The Still Series:
Part 2 Here: When we know, we can let go.
Part 3 Here: When Scripture is in us, it stills our hearts from the storms around us.
Part 4 Here: Hold our peace, by letting go of our pride.
Part 5 Here: Intimacy with God is how we abide in peace, instead of anxiously rushing in panic.
Part 6 Here: Jesus said there is but – “one needed thing”.
Reference: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/still
Sounds like we have walked some similar paths. Isn’t it a wonder how God takes our challenges and uses them to draw us more intimately to himself? Thanks for visiting today. I shared your spoken word on my FB page again because it is so powerful. What a blessing to see and hear how Jesus is expressing himself through your gifts. So glad to connect with you again. Let’s stay in touch.
I am looking forward to reading your series….Thank you for sharing…
Your Words are Full of Life – His Life! The Words of Psalm 23,
“Restore My Soul” came to mind. To be “Still” before the Lord is the only way this can truly take place.