Becoming still

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‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing.’ Luke 10:38a (NRSV)

Still is a lonely word in a culture of movement. Most of us are so driven by urges and compulsions, demands and distractions that we are unable to practice stillness. But in order to hear from God, we must relearn the discipline of stillness. For many of us, it will be hard work. It is far easier to remain in a constantly distracted state of perpetual motion.

A jar of river water when shaken up is a swirling mass of muddy, sandy particles. Nothing is clear, nothing is distinguishable. This state is not unlike our own lives. There is often so much happening that we can’t make sense of anything. However, given time to settle, the swirling mess is distilled. In stillness, a clearing occurs. The water is made pure as the sand and pebbles separate to the bottom. In His presence, we too can settle, where we are able to sort through the swirl of emotions, urges and demands in order to discern what God says is good and true for us.

Becoming still takes time and patience. Yet when we respond to the urges and compulsions in our lives, we become more distracted and shaken up. A muddy, cloudy concoction that is unable to clearly hear God’s voice or discern his working in our lives.

Are we ready to be distilled? To find stillness in His presence? Are we willing to respond to his calling that simply says, ‘there is a need of only one thing?’ We must be still to know God. There is no other way.

“Be still and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NRSV

​Jennifer Woodley
South-East Queensland, Australia - info@grace-lines.net