I woke a bit heavy hearted this morning. I looked to God for comfort, for the okay, the right of passage, to start again. I desire for us to start this week new and refreshed. What does it look like to start new in relationships, career, ministry?
It begins with being in the presence of God. When I began to slow down, and be still; this is where I began to recognize and experience God. We are so good with being busy. Being a part of a mobile church who sets up and tears down every service, being busy is the only way to prepare for a church service in the natural. Sometimes getting away from busyness is not an option, but I think there is unnecessary busyness that we can give up and take a break from. My part, my job in the setting up process this morning was complete, so I took the time and extra effort to say no to the unnecessary, so I could spend time with God. It wasn't in busily praying or doing works in ministry that I found Him, it was in the stillness that He was found.
I love the story of Elijah, the prophet, where he is at his most desperate time, feeling like all was lost. He was fearing for his life and seeking God for an answer. He was told to go to the mountain in the presence of God.
Powerful wind broke through; God was not in that.
There was a ground-breaking earthquake; God was not in that.
Fire; God was not in that.
In a gentle and quiet whisper, it was in this that Elijah found God.
God is in the simple, undistracted moments.
He is not only moving in powerfully winded services.
He does not only move in chaotic catastrophes or moments of distress.
He does not only move when we are being burned out by life.
I encourage you today to find God in the stillness and quiet. Slow down from your busy rhythm. God desires to guide us to still waters and green pastures. We just need to slow down enough to hear his gentle and quiet whisper.
TAKE AWAY:
1) God can be found at all times.
2) God is not only in the winds, earthquakes, and fires of life; He is also in the stillness and quiet.
MEDITATION:
“There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
“ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his nameʼs sake.”
DAILY CHALLENGE:
1) Do something today to take a break from busyness, search and find God in the stillness and quiet.
2) How could you make more time for still and quiet moments with God to be led to quiet waters and green pastures?