From Barbara Wahlbrink, Director of Communications …
“BE STILL … and know that I am God.” Most of us have heard this, but how many of us have taken it to heart? Who has time to be still? Maybe when we’re older, when we’re retired, when we run out of things to do. But will that ever happen?
Right now, many of us have been given a unique opportunity to be still. Familiar routines and activities are gone. There’s room for something new. Maybe it’s time to be intentional about stillness? To set aside some time each day to quiet our mind, silence our phone and our voice, and open our heart to what the Spirit might be saying to us? There are many ways to do this. Maybe it’s pondering scripture. Maybe it’s guided meditation. Maybe it’s just a quiet walk, away from news and electronic distractions. In the stillness, you may find that God is closer – more present – than you ever imagined.
Science has shown the health benefits of meditation. And prayer is a form of meditation. It has been said that quiet contemplation is “resting in God.” In Psalm 46, God invites us to be still and know Him. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:6), Jesus said, “Go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.” Ok, what greater motivation do we need?
Experts say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Why not take this opportunity to form a new habit of daily stillness, by God’s grace? If you do, I promise it’s a gift that will keep on giving. Even in the midst of an active life, taking time for stillness makes every day more productive and peaceful. So, starting now, give that habit a try! The way things are going you will likely have enough time left in quarantine to make it stick. That’s a silver lining! Blessings on the journey +