The nice cloud cover and slight breeze made for good conditions to be outside and take a good walk. So, as is my regular routine, I put on sunscreen, a knee brace and the right shoes, grabbed a house key, and pocketed my cell phone. Once at the park, I retrieved my phone to start the app to track my walk and the app to begin the playlist that helps keep me on a good pace. Ready. Only as the music started, I realized I unknowingly skipped part of my routine and left my earbuds at home. I didn’t feel like going all the way back to get them, so I decided to walk without my motivating music. How would that work out?
Music is also a good distraction from the many things running through my mind, so this quiet walk was sure to offer something different. After a lap or so, I decided it was a good time for prayer or at least time to just be ‘open.’ I have a few decisions to make in the near future, so I tried offering those to God. A little overwhelmed, I found myself simply repeating, ‘I don’t know what to do, Lord. I don’t know what to do, Lord.’ As I rounded a curve, I eyed the bench under a shade tree that I’ve walked by countless times. This time I noted it as a place of rest. Though I didn’t stop to physically rest, in that moment, I clearly heard Psalm 46:11: ‘Be still and know that I am God!’ I’ve obviously come across that wonderful guidance many times before, but I took special notice when I heard it this time. My immediate comfort was being reminded that God is with me—through these decisions, on this walk, always. I can find rest and peace in Him. Then I also understood those words to be an answer. Not an answer to my questions or decisions, but one to lead me to the answers I seek. Be still: Stop. Stop and simply be with God in the quiet. Know that I am God: Know that He accompanies me completely. Bring my needs and my many ‘I don’t know what to do’ moments to Him and faithfully trust God’s will for me.
Though I am good about saying prayers, I am not always good about being still and just spending quiet time with God. I am thankful for this unexpected gift of prayer and reflection, and it was a welcome reminder to be still and find rest in Him. When we do make time to be still with God and invite Him into our hearts, we will be comforted by the embrace of His love and mercy. Let us always involve God in our lives, welcome His will, and seek those times where we find Him with us in the quiet.
Journeying to Grace 