Issue 859 – Stillness – September 21, 2022
Kathy and I just returned from a two-day break in Bellingham, Washington. We enjoyed walks along the seashore at Birch Bay and Bellingham Bay and in Whatcom Falls Park.
Whatcom Creek flows out of Whatcom Lake and flows out into Bellingham Bay. Several waterfalls follow a short, tranquil section as the creek rapidly descends toward the bay. Today’s shot is of an area not far from the lake. The beginning of the seasonal change to autumnal coloration caught my eye.
This spot brought a familiar Psalm to mind.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
Like Whatcom Creek, our lives pass through seasons of peace and stillness into turbulence and back again. Life was never designed to be an easy ride, and being a follower of Jesus does not take away the turbulence.
It does, however, bring the peace of God into our lives. We are partakers of “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:7.
What a blessing. The Lord does lead us beside still waters and in green pastures.
We can find peace and comfort in His presence and His Word. We can find it meditating on the works of His hands.
The Lord calls us to take time to be still.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11
I don’t think I have ever seen stillness listed amongst the Christian virtues or disciplines, but certainly, it plays a role in meditation, worship and prayer.
Jesus frequently withdrew to a quiet place to be still, pray and be in the presence of God. We could follow His example.
Personally, it is an area that needs work. I don’t take enough time to simply be still and be in the presence of God. I’m working on it. How about you?
Until next time, let us take the time to be still. Let’s enjoy the peace that transcends all understanding, even in the turbulence of this life.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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