Being Stilled
The schools had closed for the term break. This is so unlike me, I thought to myself as I sat in the quiet by the window sipping tea. Usually I am a list maker, a planner. I will chalk out a roster for whom to meet and when as well as what to do for the 2 weeks when schools in New Zealand are closed. Learning of my new rhythm, a friend asked me if I was ok. Another thought that I was crazy!
Armed with my Bible, a couple of books, my journal, pens, pencils and highlighters and some cups of hot drinks I faced it head on. ‘Still my heart Lord’ I prayed. I knew that being stilled meant that I would be refreshed as well. One would lead to the other.
“Be still and know that I am God”
-Psalm 46:10
‘In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song’
STILLED:
Soaking in the knowledge that God was with me. I began to posture myself to hear his still small voice.
“Our real task on a retreat is to create a space where God can reach us.”
-Richard Foster
“Without solitude it is virtually impossible to live a spiritual life.”
-Henri Nouwen
“One thing I ask of the Lord, this what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”
-Psalm 27:4 NIV
‘What heights of love
What depths of peace’
Talking to God and meditating on verses took on new meaning.
“I want to learn how to live so that to see someone is to pray for them.”
-Frank Laubach
I took that as a challenge. As I walked out, our neighbours waved as they bundled their baby into the car seat and drove off, I lifted them in prayer. As I posted letters I prayed for the recipients. Aunty Rohini texted asking for help with the tune of a song she had found online. As I recorded the music and sent it to her, I lifted her in prayer. I prayed for our children and their families as I thought of their schedules in their own time zones.
This verse from Paul encouraged me as I lifted people to the throne room of heaven.
“I constantly mention you in my prayers.”
-Romans 1:9b &10a
I meditated on Psalm 107, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good. His love endures forever.”
My heart overflowed with thanks and praise as I did the dishes and set the table.
‘Where fears are stilled
And strivings cease’
I intentionally chose one Bible verse to carry with me through the day. It helped me focus on God and meditate on his goodness and abounding grace.
Fasting or doing without is surely a part of Being still
Elizabeth George says this beautifully. “Determine to go for a week without frivolous spending. No eating out, no special doo dahs for the house.” She also suggests putting anything you think you need into a prayer list and pray about it before you actually go out shopping for it. I found that having hours of ‘no phone time’ through the day helped me reflect, meditate and enjoy God more.
It puts our needs/ wants in perspective, keeps us grateful for what we have and opens our eyes to the needs of others.
REFRESHED:
This means I could work as Martha and enjoy Jesus in my heart as Mary all at once.
My anxious thoughts were gone. I felt rested and calm. I knew God had my back.
I felt lighter and stronger in my heart. I could run without feeling weary.
I felt ready to step into the roles God had planned for me.
‘My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand.’
( The song used is In Christ alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty)