I think I can do both halves of that title reasonably well. It’s the “AND” part I have some trouble with! It’s easy for me to be still when I’m headed to bed for the night, or when I’m reading a book, or sneaking in a rare mid-day nap. Not for long, mind you, except the nighttime thing, but even my friends who know me best will acknowledge that SOMETIMES I can actually be still.
But they would also tell you that I nap or read best AFTER I’ve taken care of the main things on my “to do” list for the day. So I admit to a lack of contentment with tasks still awaiting some action. I always frame the quiet time as the reward for being productive. Mostly it works for me.
I’ve just come off a few busy months recently with the writing and publishing of my latest book, The Honest Griever. It has been the primary focus of my ministry since the pandemic kicked in almost six months ago. That and preparing for a couple of presentations – one on Zoom, and one in person.
Most of that prep is complete and with the book launch officially over as of this past Sunday, I find myself asking the same question as the last section of that book, “Now What?” Oh sure, there are more things I can work on, but my motivation took a serious nosedive today. That’s never a comfortable place for me to camp out.
But I had only a few items left on my list for the day (one of which was writing this blog post), and I talked myself into taking that nap. And immediately, felt guilty because I hadn’t done EVERYTHING on my list for the day.
First, true confessions. Until 30 minutes ago, I had NO idea what I would write for my blog post due tomorrow morning. This isn’t typical for me. I’m usually a week or two in advance of the deadline. But I was out of town for most of last week and then had a precious great-granddaughter here for an overnight stay this weekend. Hence, Monday arrived with no topic.
So back to that nap. As I’m trying to doze off, there’s a battle going on in my mind between two primary thoughts. “You deserve a little downtime.” vs. “You should finish up those last couple of items first.” And then God interrupted that struggle with these words, “Be still and know that I am God.” Neither one of MY thoughts won that battle.
It was enough to be quiet before God simply because he tells us to do just that in Psalm 46:10. I was reminded, once again, of the importance of meditating on God’s power, his love, his peace, his sovereignty, and any other God-characteristic he brings to your mind. That’s where TRUE contentment enters the soul. I don’t rest because “I deserve it.” I don’t rest because “My to do list is done.” I rest BEST when I rest in him. Just because.
And hence a blog topic was born! So I hopped off the couch and started writing. No nap! Oh well…
How crazy is your life right now? Do you meet yourself coming and going? Are you stressing over the myriad issues from the pandemic? Especially now that schools are starting? Are your finances precarious? Do you worry about your health or that of your loved ones? Are you stressed with your own version of “Now what?” There’s plenty to go around, isn’t there? And this post isn’t to minimize your concerns. It’s to offer up some perspective and to remind you that there is a place to run with those concerns.
So my advice to you, and my prayer FOR you, is that you can find some moments somewhere in your chaos to stop and find contentment WHILE you are still before God. Quiet your mind and ask him to replace the stressful thoughts with reminders of his goodness.
Some of you know that I recorded piano solos in the early days of the pandemic. One of those was a rendition that included “Be Still and Know” with “Be Still, My Soul.” If you want something quieter to listen to while you rest, here’s the YouTube link.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
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