Beginnings...

Be still...

The words that He whispered to me at the beginning of this amazing year of 2011. A year that is just reaching its half way mark, in which so many things have happened that are beyond what I comprehended or expected then.

When I first heard these words, I took them and held them, glad that He was calling me to draw near in silence. But then, something happened. It's called life. Begin with one sinful human being and stir in a few distractions, idols and misused gifts. Put under intense pressure and in stressful situations. Enjoy.

But I've found that it's only when I have chosen to consciously be still, to seek out that quiet place where my soul relaxes, that I have the peace that He promised when my life began anew. Despite my busy, mixed up life and my distorted view of how things really are, He's waiting with open arms to show me all that He wants for me.

At the beginning of the year, this phrase drew me in and by now it has made me see that being still is not all about physically, emotionally, or even spiritually being still. Rather, it is the state of resting in who He is and what He is doing. Of not undermining who He is, and who He has made me to be.

The verse that started it all, along with another one that has echoed what it has meant to be still:

Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.

Isaiah 30:18

So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.

In the resting, in the letting go, in the surrender, He is glorified. May you be still and know...