Our Lenten Journey... Being still

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"Be still and know that I am God"
~ Psalm 46:10

It's hard to believe that it's the start of another week.  Someone recently asked me how I stay positive through life changes and daily challenges.  I guess I don't always think about it.  The "staying positive" part.  I know if I were to think about it too much, I would do just that... "overthink it!"

I guess that I am a person who somewhat enjoys change, but in the midst of everything I listen in my heart to the Psalmist when he writes, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). 

These are the words within that propel me into a busy day.

For any of us, the ability to remain positive when we are encountering many things, means not creating unreal expectations.  For many, Lent seems to be a time of self-reflection, and change.  It's important to note that at this point of the journey of Lent, it is not so much about change, but simply listening.

For myself, I try to take time to juxtapose my busy day and noisy world with the knowledge that there can be stillness within. 

For any of us, the ability to manage an "inner stillness" is a challenge within itself.

It is important to keep a still place within each of us. A place where each of us may return time and time again, where God can dwell and speak to us.   

It can also then become a place where we can speak from to others when the world becomes too much for those around, or to help guide others to the place where they may find that same inner strength and peace. 

Without having this place to return and to speak from, our world can quickly spin out of control.  I rememeber back in high school one of my teachers had the following on a bulletin board, "Yelling at children is like steering your car with the horn."  It was a reminder to her that even in the classroom there had to be a sense of order, or a stillness so that learning could take place. I try to recreate that in my mind each day, visit my place of stillness, beside still waters in my mind, where I may find the direction that I need. 

With that stillness, God can be our gentle guide in everything we think, say, or do, making it a better day and a better place for others. 

May we all discover stillness within while remaining in God's grip!

​G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

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Dear God, as I reflect this morning, please speak in the stillness of this moment to encourage me, guide me, and make it possible for me to invite others to join in this place of stillness. I know that today will be filled with many things, but within it I will choose to remember that You are God. Thank You for allowing me this day, and may You bless each breath I breathe. Amen.

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