Be Still and Know that I Am God
Many folks were dreading the recent snow storm. It was an inconvenience for some, and an unwelcome interruption for others. But I found myself looking forward to it with anticipation, even hoping for the higher end of the 8 to 24 inches predicted.
Albert Mohler had a terrific piece last summer on his blog about the need for silence. Our world is filled with noise. Mohler alerts us to the finding that "the development of individual identity requires extended periods of solitude, reflection, and silence." And that "the Christian tradition has honored silence as a matter of spiritual discipline and an intentional effort to flee the noise of everyday life in order to hear what that noise cannot supply." (See Mohler's blog of June 11, 2009)
What does this have to do with the weekend snow storm? I would argue that what is true of "noise" in our lives is also true of "busy-ness." For me, the snow storm represented a welcome break in routine. On Sunday morning we shoveled hard to free up the vehicles, and then came inside to a hot breakfast (thank you Theresa), and a relaxed time around the table.
It may be that my own temperament, more than others, yearns for this kind of thing. Or it may be that my normal routine isn't all that inspiring, or that my vision for life, service, and work is impaired. Or, it may be as simple as "sinful laziness" welcoming any opportunity to sit down a little longer with another cup of coffee.
Whatever the mix of reasons... I do thank the Lord for the recent "slow down." This morning I feel a new sense of need for His strength and joy. I've had the opportunity to "be still" and I can attest to a renewed sense of His greatness, and my great need of Him if I am to live in any meaningful, fruitful way in this world.
Thanks for listening.
Albert Mohler had a terrific piece last summer on his blog about the need for silence. Our world is filled with noise. Mohler alerts us to the finding that "the development of individual identity requires extended periods of solitude, reflection, and silence." And that "the Christian tradition has honored silence as a matter of spiritual discipline and an intentional effort to flee the noise of everyday life in order to hear what that noise cannot supply." (See Mohler's blog of June 11, 2009)
What does this have to do with the weekend snow storm? I would argue that what is true of "noise" in our lives is also true of "busy-ness." For me, the snow storm represented a welcome break in routine. On Sunday morning we shoveled hard to free up the vehicles, and then came inside to a hot breakfast (thank you Theresa), and a relaxed time around the table.
It may be that my own temperament, more than others, yearns for this kind of thing. Or it may be that my normal routine isn't all that inspiring, or that my vision for life, service, and work is impaired. Or, it may be as simple as "sinful laziness" welcoming any opportunity to sit down a little longer with another cup of coffee.
Whatever the mix of reasons... I do thank the Lord for the recent "slow down." This morning I feel a new sense of need for His strength and joy. I've had the opportunity to "be still" and I can attest to a renewed sense of His greatness, and my great need of Him if I am to live in any meaningful, fruitful way in this world.
Thanks for listening.
Labels: Guest Post, Simplicity
posted by Petros at
9:03 AM
5 Comments:
Can I quickly add that I would have preferred the interruption on a week-day (not that we can choose God's timing). Sunday worship is a wonderful oasis, a day of rest and reflection. It would have been a double blessing to have had the storm on, say, Monday, instead of Saturday!
Thanks Peter. I share your sentiments on both accounts.
Are you hearing that we may have another such opportunity to slow down and be still coming our way from the Lord this week?
Thank you Pete, I too needed the slow down. The only thing I need to work on now is how to use that slow down/quiet noiseless time more wisely.
Thank you for causing me to have times of quiet meditation with my LORD.
Isiah said,"in quietness and in confidence, shall be your strength" (ASV). Nothing is more challenging than unplanned time. Nothing is more revealing to my own heart, of the real state of my heart, than to watch (as it were) my own use of the extra time. My wife had recently challenged me to no TV at all on Sundays. Wanting to maintain her respect for me, I went to sermon audio.com and listened to a sermon from the man who had the greatest influence on my life, A N Martin. It was a lecture on how to deal with regrets in the Christians life. I then listened to one of my old professors Sinclair Ferguson on Rev. 21 and 22. The beginning of eternity and the bride of christ. Needless to say, I was very contemplative regarding my use of time in general and extra time as it surprises us on occasion. I have lots of regrets about time. I resolved to attempt to redeem the time because the days are evil. My flesh was right on time with it's immediate demands on entertainment. There's lots of time to improve your soul, there's plenty of time to pray, to read, to meditate.
Brethren, I struggled with my flesh Sunday. I did by the grace of God, make some good use of the extra time.
I got to hang and bake cookies with my sweet 6 year old grand daughter. All in all, Sunday was a blessing that I hadn't planned on but my Lord did. I hope he surprised all of you with unusual blessings to replace the blessings of corporate worship.
My thoughts....
JR
Thank you JR. Your comments and reflections are always well worth the read!
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