Stillness

Good morning, friends. 

It’s Monday morning, which means that most of us are being plunged back into the depths of the chaos after a weekend reprieve. Almost every morning as Brett walks out the door for work, I ask him what his day looks like. He typically mentions a few meetings, a lunch with a customer, maybe a project he’s been working on. Today, he said he’s just planning to show up and see what needs to be done. I’d imagine that’s what most of us are doing these days. When our plans are stripped away, and nothing feels normal, we are left with an opportunity to show up with a willingness to serve, to meet needs, to be a comfort. In the midst of our fears, our doubts, our insecurities, our discouragements, let’s be people who continue to show up with a calming presence and a willing spirit.  

My daughter, Maren, introduced me to the song ‘Still’ by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. If you can find a way to listen to it today, I’d encourage you to do so. Here are the lyrics:

I believe that you are God alone
But sometimes I still try to take control
‘Cause I get scared when I can’t see the end
And all you want from me to to let go

You’re parting waters
Making a way for me
You’re moving mountains, that I don’t even see
You’ve answered my prayer, before I even speak
All you need for me to be 
Is still

I bring my praise before I bring my need
‘Cause there’s no fear you’ve not already seen
I rest my heart on all your promises
‘Cause I have seen and know your faithfulness

As I send this email, I’m praying for each of you to find a way to be still. Psalm 46 offers us beautiful words to pray and meditate on during these times. Verse 1 reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” A REFUGE and STRENGTH. Don’t we all need a place to feel safe and to recover some fortitude right now? Verse 5 tells us “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.”  God is in our midst, remaining steady, offering help in the morning. I love this picture of renewal and rescue that comes with the rising sun. And then in verse 10 we hear the familiar words, “Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Notice we’re not commanded to worry and complain and flail about in desperation, but we’re invited to be STILL. And to KNOW he is God. He WILL be exalted. Thank you, Jesus. 

I’d love to hear how you’re finding stillness in the midst of this storm. Where is Jesus meeting you? What’s helping to settle your soul?

With hope,

Kate