Start Here: An Invitation
Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God.
What is that we need more than anything else? More faith? More belief? More boldness?
Stillness.
Before we can be and do anything, we must first still ourselves in the presence of God. Our nearness to God creates the environment of our lives. It is the atmosphere that either breeds life - fertile soil, healthy seeds, living water - or facilitates death - rocky ground, poisonous weeds, desert conditions. The environment is the clearest representation of our proximity to the Source, the Creator.
And without stillness, without being present in His presence, we cannot sustain healthy, fruitful life.
What precedes being still and what follows it is equally vital. Earlier in Psalm 46, the psalmist says The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the Lord… (v. 7-8). Stillness follows obedient action, it is the result of saying yes to the invitation: Come, behold the works of the Lord. It sets aside the constant distractions, information, and attention-grabbing works of the world to bask in the works of the Creator.
Stillness only exists as a byproduct of intentionally removing carnal noise. It is an environment created through our action, our yes to God’s invitation.
What immediately follows this supernatural stillness is knowing He is God. This is the promise that follows the command, the invitation, to draw near. It is the answer we are seeking, the outcome we are longing for, the hope we are clinging to. To know and be known by God. To have all anxiety, fear, hurt, confusion, loss, doubt fall away because of the eternal power and perspective given to us through Christ.
This journal is a living, breathing pursuit to that very end. An intention to come - to draw near - and be still, so that we may know He is God. An invitation to wrestle with the challenges of life openly yet earnestly, desperately yet with direction.
Every week will resemble this structure - a Scripture theme, a brief devotional, and a communal prayer (see below). But know now that the goal is the process, the process is the goal of living this stillness no matter the context of our worldly circumstances. A moment to remove distractions, turn down the noise, breathe, and be.
So, come and be still.
To the weary,
come and rest.
To the confused,
come and be still.
To the hurt,
come and receive.
To the lonely,
come and be filled.
To the angry,
come and renew.
To the hopeless,
come and be
with the Lord.
To the bitter,
come and forgive.
To the runner,
come and be at rest.
To the shameful,
come and see.
To the guilty,
come and be free.
To the broken,
come and reconcile.
To the longing,
come and be
with the Lord.
Amen.
