“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
The spring season is a time when many people contemplate relaxation. The warmth in the air, the fragrant smell of the flowers, and the calm weather cause us to think about the importance of balance and restoring our energies.
On a recent trip to the Bay Area where we drove on the many busy freeways we couldn’t believe the impatience of so many people who were driving erratically while frequently honking their horns so they could wedge their vehicle into a little space along the way.
The hectic pace of our culture often takes its toll on our bodies, minds, and spirits. Many of us don’t take enough time each day to enjoy what the Lord has provided. It seems to me we need to find ways to take more mini vacations or short breaks to reflect on the blessings in our lives.
I’m reminded of the biography of Mary Slessor. Slessor was a modern missionary who left Scotland at the turn of the twentieth century to go to a part of Africa that was then infested with disease and indescribable danger. The woman had an indomitable spirit and kept going when lesser men and women, living under the crushing pressures, broke- down, ran, and never came back. Once, after a particularly draining day, she found herself trying to sleep in a crude jungle hut. The following day she wrote in her journal:
I am not very particular about my bed these days, but as I lay on a few dirty sticks laid across and covered with a litter of dirty corn-shells, with plenty of rats and insects, three women and an infant three-days old alongside, and over a dozen sheep and goats and cows outside, you don’t wonder that I slept little. But I had such a comfortable quiet night in my own heart.
As Gordon MacDonald says, “There must be a quiet place where all is in order, a place from which comes the energy that overcomes turbulence and is not intimidated by it.” Where is that place for you? Jesus often broke away from the crowds and His disciples to have time alone with God.
Christ’s advice to His disciples makes good sense for all of us struggling with balancing life’s priorities, “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So, they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:30-32
Take time to find those quiet places where you can spend quality time with Jesus. It will refresh you and give you a new perspective.
Personal Application:
How can you apply Psalms 46:10 to your life?
How can you make more space in your life for quiet times, balance, and meditation? Pencil in those special times and places that allow you to get away from the hectic pace.
In Luke 10:41-42, we read a story about Mary and Martha providing ministry to Christ and His disciples. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Martha, Martha. You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.” Why was Jesus concerned about Martha? Was she taking time to enjoy the good part? Are you taking the time to enjoy and embrace fellowship with Jesus?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.