“Be silent, every living thing, in the presence of the Lord.” Zechariah 2:13

Stillness

There have been times in this long stillness when I’ve wanted more activity. And yet I’ve felt that God has ordained this season. I’ve come to realize that the “stillness” is what has helped me to survive! I’ve needed the peace and quiet to be with the Lord, to “recharge” my inner batteries, and to rest and get new energy.

I wonder if our modern world has gotten so busy that it’s sometimes hard for us to “turn off” and be still with Him. It requires a simplicity that I’ve had to learn to walk in. The Lord has sweetly taught me to rest in Him, and find my fulfillment in Him, not in what I’m doing for Him. There are some precious benefits that I’ve been learning.

–  There is a sweet peace that comes in the stillness. It’s powerful! In some ways it’s like a flood over my spirit, but it’s so gentle that it doesn’t feel in any way overwhelming. It’s a “peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7), and has enabled me to keep going in the midst of constant turmoil from all that has transpired on this journey.

–  Being still has allowed me to fully focus on Him, not on the problems. I’m able to “cast my burdens on Him” (1 Peter 5:7), and then direct my heart fully towards Him. It becomes a precious time of fellowship with my loving Father.

–  Being still allows times of prayer, worship, and reading the Word. I don’t divide them up—they just seem to flow from one to the other, and interweave back and forth. I have come to be grateful for each one in new ways.

–  All this allows me to hear His voice in the stillness without all the competing “noise” of my normal busyness. Hearing His voice speak into my heart and mind has become a precious treasure.

–  Being still has brought a wonderful “gift” of allowing me time and quiet to process this journey, to reflect on what I’m learning and what God is saying. That’s what I eventually share in these updates. Without this gift, I don’t know if I could have survived this journey. God knew I would need this! He has given me the aloneness and stillness to help me.

–  Being still also gives room for a re-energizing to replace all that has been drained away by the stress of the ups and downs of the journey. Remember in the first year when I kept referring to a yo-yo? The ups and downs seemed daily. It was so intense and hard on my emotions. The stillness allowed for refreshment and healing to come.

On a very practical level, I’ve learned to sit and take deep breaths. It’s amazing how much that simple exercise helps! It helps to reduce stress, and bring calm to your body.

I realize that most of you will never go on a journey like mine. But I have a sense that God may want to bring some of the same benefits into your life by some times of being still in the midst of what you’re walking through. The blessings of the stillness are so beautiful.

I’ve thought of how many things have been done for the Lord from sickbeds and prison cells—times of being still. Many classic devotionals have been written by saints going through these trials. I’m grateful for the blessings God has brought into my life during these months of stillness. How faithful He is!

“Help us to be still before You, Father.”