I knew what was missing. It was those hours that I would take, slipping down to my little meadow, climbing onto my rock among the Aspens, or wandering over the hill and looking across the valley. It was those quiet moments that I took time to not just spend time in prayer and in studying God’s word, but to be still, and in the midst of His Creation, let the cares, the troubles and perplexities slip away until “quietness and confidence” once again took hold of my heart.
It was those times when I would lay on my back in the grasses, looking up at a blue sky above, and think of the One who was beyond, and of His care for me. It was when I would sit beside the ant hill, discovering an ant highway that lead mysteriously to one of the large pines, on which hundreds of little black ants raced up and down on some unknown errand. It was when I sat on the hillside, watching a curious deer walk ever closer to where I sat. It was when I stooped to see the details of a blossom that was just a speck, yet it was beautiful, though few ever see it’s delicate petals and form. It was when I sat alone on my rock with the aspens beside me that I found courage to face the confusing, time to treasure the joys, and that my heart stored away beauty for another day.
We need these quiet moments. Don’t let life get in the way of truly living.
You may not have a rock among the aspens or a tiny meadow in the Rockies like I do, but we all have our quiet places, a place where we can step away from life and it’s confusion, and busy-ness to be still. To quiet all other outside voices in our hearts, and alone with God and with His Nature, learn to know Him. Not know who He is, or where He is, or even what He is doing around us, though these are all important, but to know Him. To know what He is to us, in us, and for us. To know His saving power, and the peace that comes from a heart that has given it’s all for His all.
Take time to be Still and Know your God.
Written in April of 2008
This was beautiful, thanks for posting this. Ahhh to be really Still. God has been teaching me so much about this. With summer here I plan to go and Hide myself in His stillness as much as I can. Out doors that is. As you said any place is fine. I personally like to be outdoors and in His creation, it calms me so.
There is a dvd out called Be Still And Know I Am God, on contemplitive prayer.
Sometime the world gets so loud and we need to get away in His silence to really gain back a right heart focus.
Again you really captured this for me and I am glad you have such a beautiful place to be still in Him.
Blessings,
Liz
What a beautiful reminder – something I definitely needed at this moment.
Sometimes it’s amazing how directly related our personal well-being and our time with the Lord are! We do need those moments when we sit down and soak in His presence. What a great God we serve.
Thanks for such a wonderful reminder, Chantel. The last three weeks of my life have been so busy, and I am really missing quiet, restful times with Him. Guess what I will be doing when I get off of work tonight?
How true! It is so easy to allow so many things get in the way of spending quiet time alone with God. Having grown up in the heart of farm country in northern Indiana, I too had many opportunities to enjoy God’s creation in many ways, and how I took that for granted. Now living on Long Island where nothing is ever still, and going to college which only adds to everything, it is soooo important that I keep my eyes on HIM, and strive to make time when I can truly “Be still.”
A beautiful post and a wonderful reminder. Thank you!
What a beautiful and encouraging piece, and so true! Thank you for sharing Chantel.