One definition of “still” is: free from turbulence or commotion.
The first example of stillness that came to mind was when Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:35-41). A terrible storm came out of nowhere and fast. The disciples, experienced storm goers panicked while Jesus, a storm rookie, I’m thinking, was peacefully asleep. After awaking, He stood up and told the storm “Peace, be still”. And then He asked the disciples if they still had no faith in Him.
The commotion stopped instantly.
This is what Jesus is doing in my life everyday. I need to be still in order for Him to work. The negative attitudes and voices need to stop. The noise of unnecessary media needs to quiet down. The ever-growing “to-do” list needs to just pause, as I set down my virtual pen. The rising blood pressure as stress starts is a-boiling needs to simmer back down. I need could reduce the times I tell my kids to be quiet in the house. (Still gotta be quiet in many public places though–ha ha!).
I need to be still and acknowledge my role as a created being and not the Creator. I cannot control everything and everyone around me. I cannot control all of the circumstances that occur in my life. There is a great deal that I can control, or have a massive effect on, and I strive to do better.
At the same time, Christ wants me to just trust Him completely, without abandon. He doesn’t wish for me to panic and flail around hopelessly. It’s not about the amount of faith. There is no measuring stick. It’s about having it. Either you do or you don’t trust. If you don’t trust, there’s not much that can help you. But if you do trust, even in the smallest amount, He can take that and do wonders.
When you trust, you can see the value of being still.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This post was somewhat scattered for me this week. I’m so glad that the “rules” include no worrying about editing.
Your turn.
(Five Minute Friday is linked up here, at (In)Courage today.)