I have been asked to guest write a blog on my experiences with being still and knowing God for a friend's website. After writing a short blog on the subject I decided to do a post on my blog as well. Hope this meets you where you are! My journey is as individual as me but also similar to many others as well. It was a journey filled with joy and frustration, heartache and great blessing.
As I begin this I feel compelled to express at the beginning there is no formula for this process. Our society presses on us a formula for everything. God's kingdom is not of this world and does not operate on the same principles. This journey is about relationship, and what and how it happens for one person may or may not be the same for another. This journey is about moving God from your head to your heart where relationships are intimate and go deep instead of wide. The more intimate and real one's relationship to the Father becomes, the more peace abides and remains. I know this in retrospect so I hope this will help others at the beginning of their journey instead of the end. Be Still! "Know" that I "AM" God!
As I recount the journey I also remember this was a journey that has been "in process" since 2004. I don't think, at this point, it's one that I'll ever reach the end of. There was a time in my life when this would have driven me crazy but now is something I embrace and yearn for. Some stages of this journey go quicker than others and some have deeper impact on my life. As a whole they are part of the "Great Adventure" God has called me to as Steven Curtis Chapman sang about in the 90's. I mention this to remind me of this point as much as to be an encouragement to those on this journey for themselves. The down side of the formula mentality our society enbraces is that we want quick finishes like a sprinter, but this is more like a life long marathon and it began even before I or anyone realized it. Being a person of purpose I seek this journey out and love the lessons learned along the way. Others never seem to realize the journey is there and live lives without fulfillment. There seems to be a whole generation in the Church this applies to. How tragic! I encourage everyone to press into this journey, to seek it with purpose, to realize this as an aspect of the Pearl Jesus talks about in the parable. Be Still! "Know" that I "AM" God!
I have pointed out two things to keep in mind as this journey begins. These are not all-inclusive, just two that are high on my priority list. "Be Still" is how God chose to start this verse. This is, for me, the hardest part of the process. I am a kinetic person. I am a mover-doer personality. I've never been known for my being still... EVER! So when God began to speak to my heart on this verse I was very agitated. This went against every fiber of my being. To make matters worse I didn't realize why I needed to be still so that just added to the frustration. I remember sitting in my man cave brooding over this verse, pondering over it, begging for clarity on it... desperation began to sit in. This desperation continued for months with no end in sight. Along this road the "Be"attitude about hungering and thirsting began to make sense that it never had. It also seemed to be in opposition to being still. Its not! "Be Still" "Know" that I "AM" God!
Be STILL! What does that mean? Several things it doesn't to start with. It doesn't mean "Do nothing" it also doesn't mean you have to sit for hours without moving. This refers to something internal more than external. There are two realms of consciousness to be noted. The natural realm that we live in where we can see and touch with our eyes and hands. The other, the spirit realm where God exists. The unique thing about humans is that we are the only natural creation of God that can go between the two and exist in both at the same time. Was that a record I just heard scratch? There are more verses that teach this than room allows for. Stillness is an inward place. It does help to be still in the natural while learning this process. As the process is mastered it's more a place to abide inwardly no matter what goes on around you. God is Spirit so to truly have intimacy with Him its essential to learn this. That's the reason is comes across as a command rather than a suggestion. This is where it becomes hard to describe. I lack the words to be able to articulate the "how" part. I believe that's because this isn't a formula more than just my ignorance. I may be mistaken but I don't think so ;0). Its kind of like falling in love... you really don't know how it happened but know that it did. Jesus said seek and you will find. If you seek stillness you will find it but don't be surprised if its realization sneaks up on you before you figure it out with your head. "Be Still" "Know" that I "AM" God!
"Know" that I "AM" God! Knowing refers to experience here not just something you were told or read about. I pastored for 10 years with this truth alluding me. I approached God with my head and not my heart. This led me to legalism and emptiness. I could quote scripture, preach sermons, the whole gamut but lacked the deep abiding relationship that produced fruit in my life. As I caught the stillness I began to experience God on ever deepening levels. Life began to be fruitful and filled with the Joy and Peace of the Lord! Experiencing God is a journey too! His depths are unending and always just far enough out of reach to keep us hungry. Just when you think He can't be anymore satisfying His fragrance wafts in with a new aroma that entices us to seek again and taste and see that He is good! "Be Still" "Know" that I "AM" God!
Enjoy your journey! It truly is the great adventure!
Beautiful!
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