Be still, my soul. I love those words—boththe scripture (Psalm 46:10) and the song.
Do your days hum with busyness? Do you remember what it feels like to be still and quiet with your soul?
Recently my sister-in-law, Ruth, challenged me to take 24 hours and be quiet. Alone. No interruptions.
Perhaps this was inspired by her recent 24 hours alone. She is a missionary wife, married to a pastor (my brother, Darron), with four boys ages 9 to 16. Her home whirls with constant activity as she juggles homeschooling the younger two and keeping up with the older two in high school. Also, she must often adapt her schedule to my brother, who comes and goes on all kinds of trips. Meanwhile, she and the family must adjust to intrusions on their time and maintain a balanced life in a different culture.
Ruth said that Darron gave her the most amazing gift recently when he took all four boys away for a night of camping and left her home alone for 24 hours . . . 24 hours of peace, solitude, comfort, reflection, and quieting her soul.
How long has it been since you have been really quiet? Would you benefit from time being still and listening to God? When was the last time you stopped all the craziness and rested quietly before God?
With some focused effort, I freed a full day in which I could meet the challenge. For me the day of planned recharge meant that I chose creative, refreshing, and quiet activities. I intentionally turned off the phone and left the laptop behind. I learned that taking this day and dedicating it to being “still” forced me to have an identity outside of my occupation or my responsibilities as a wife and mother. The day found me reflecting and evaluating my life, better identifying my values, and mentally letting go—creating energy and a renewed spirit.
I challenge you to do this for yourself—then encourage someone else to do it also. Read Psalm 46:10 and Psalm 131, and remember Isaiah 30:15: “In quietness and trust is your strength” (NIV).
