As busy people, we often find it difficult to be still. Whether we work, volunteer, stay home with kids, or are retired, we are busy running from one thing to the next without much time in between. We hardly have time to accomplish what is required of us in a given day, let alone find time for ourselves or for God! However, the reality is that we cannot be all that He created us to be (and all that others need us to be) without His help. In order to receive His help, we must "remain" in him...we must be still.
The word "still" is defined by dictionary.com the following ways: remaining in place or at rest; motionless; stationery; free from sound or noise; silence; free from turbulence or commotion; peaceful; tranquil. If you look at John 15:4-11 in the NIV, the word "remain" (a synonym for "still") is used 11 times. I'm not a rocket scientist, but I know when a word is used repeatedly in the bible, God is trying to make a point...and loudly!
The kind of stillness we need to remain in Christ as described by our verse is an action that requires effort and discipline. It is not solely a lack of movement, but it is a posture of the mind, body, heart, and spirit. The beautiful thing about this type of stillness is that it is the only kind of stillness that will free us from "noise" and usher in silence, tranquility, and peace. It is also the very sort of stillness that will foster the bearing of fruit because fruit of the Sprirt (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control - Galatians 5:22-23) comes ONLY from a living, breathing relationship with God the father, God the son, and the Holy Spirit.
Just like any other relationship in our lives, to sustain a healthy relationship with God, we have to make time to connect with Him one-on-one. This can be done through meditation, prayer, study, worship, and can be done any time, anywhere, through any channel, including nature, art, movement, music, song, animals, or whatever you choose. Make a decision here and now to devote more time to truly connect with God using one of the ways suggested above. Schedule the time if you must so that you're more likely to "keep your appointment" with Him, and don't make it a habit to reschedule because "life gets in the way". You owe your life to Him and your life can't happen without Him.
Heavenly Father, we come to you tired, worn out, busy. We ask your forgiveness that we don't always make time for you the way we should. You are so amazing and such a loving creator that you not only gave us life, but you sustain our very existence and make everything possible. Apart from you, we can do NOTHING. Father, we humbly ask for your help in making more room for you in our lives so that we can bear fruit and be all that you created us to be for those who rely on us. Thank you for all that you do in and through us. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
Comments