Do you feel healthy, directed and centered, or do you feel worn, torn and out of sorts? Our lives are affected by many sources of information and challenge. We can easily feel pulled in a variety of directions, and tired – always trying to catch up with moving and changing goals. These are the trials of this generation; they will not subside. Left unaddressed, however, these pressures can take a toll on your health, psyche and spirit.

We must remember that real life is an “inside out” job. Life flows from the inside out, not from the outside in. Proverbs says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) The practical question, however, is how we can actually guard and tend to our hearts in a day of hustle and bustle.

Psalm 46 speaks of the earth seemingly giving way, mountains falling into the sea, waves crashing on the shore, earthquakes and wars. Yet, in the midst of these rocking images, the psalmist prophesies, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) We need to intentionally and consistently step aside from the treadmill and be still. We need to stop! This means to turn away from the many sources of stimulation that may over-fill your life - as scary and as empty as that may initially feel. The “noise of silence” can be a fearful thing for many of us until we get used to it. Yet, we have got to come to terms with stillness. It is at the heart of Sabbath rest – it is a matter of healing, restoration and creativity.

Stillness is not the complete answer to the hectic struggles of our day, however. In the place of stillness you must learn to turn your attention to God. This is worship. The idea of worship can sound heavy, religious, cumbersome and boring from the outside, but it is a wonderful gift of life to mankind. Worship is the place of connection beyond ourselves – it is communion with God, a fulfillment of our created order. It is the place of hope and insight. God, the Creator gives life and creativity to those who come to Him. When you still yourself, fill yourself read God’s Word and begin to focus your attention on Him; consider His will and His purposes … know Him! Learning to be still and know God is the antidote for the poisonous pace of American life in our day.

There is a cure for harried living. There is a remedy for feelings of being overwhelmed. There is a way to know you are “on track.” Be still and know God. Are you willing to intentionally carve out, or renew your commitment to, time and space to consistently be with God for thirty to sixty minutes at a time? For many this may require significant work and schedule alteration, but it is very important. Short ten minute interludes, and spontaneous expressions of worship are good throughout the day, but they cannot replace sustained time in stillness and focus on God. Such attention magnifies our awareness of God, and changes our perspectives on life.

Declaring God’s Word with you,

Pastor Tom Griffith

This entry was posted on Friday, November 9th, 2007 Friday @ the River. Subscribe to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.