So, it is Sunday, June 26th. It has been another lovely day here in South-Central Florida. My husband and I went to church with my parents today. It was an interesting experience to say the least. My parents have struggled to get going since moving here a couple of months ago. But, my father felt well this morning and they were ready to begin their journey of visiting churches. Off we went to one of the local churches. It is always interesting to go somewhere new for worship…to be “the guest” and try to find one’s stride amidst the assumptions that the homefolks are used to… We were all glad to have been, but it was an off-morning there. The Spirit whispered anyway through the audio-snafus and the VBS introductions and the longer-than-normal get-together. God is always present when one opens one’s heart. It makes worship possible even when it is difficult. And an open heart can find solace and comfort in God’s presence.
I am glad for a quiet heart in the middle of all the anxiety in our culture. In a world where the automatic response to everything is fear and hatred, a quiet heart is immeasurably valuable. In the midst of all the political shenanigans of this election cycle, a quiet heart is comforting. It keeps me centered and able to think clearly, instead of reacting to what I hear. A quiet heart helps me to cogitate on all the information and to form opinions and shape my thoughts very carefully. I am thankful for a quiet heart.
There is a lovely verse (Psalm 46:10) that simple says: “Be still and know that I am God.” In the Hebrew, the sense of the words “be still” is CEASE STRIVING. In a world full of such heightened emotional reactivity, resting in God’s presence is key to being able to CEASE STRIVING. It gives space in life for God to create a quiet heart. “Still” doesn’t have to mean without motion, as in “to sit still.” We can live and move and engage the life around us and CEASE STRIVING in the midst of it all. I am thankful for a quiet heart.
For this next week, I pray that you will discover a quiet heart, and that your quiet heart will shape your week, give focus to your life, and open you to the joy of God’s peace and presence.
Until the next time…