Monday, August 17, 2015

"Still"


     God created a universe characterized by immeasurable motion.  From the atomic and sub-atomic particles that race in their infinitessimal world to the frenetic pace of revolving planets and galaxies scurrying through the vastness of space, physical things exist because they move.  Stillness is illusion in the physical realm, but in spiritual reality, our Creator calls us to rest.

    "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

    Relationship with our Lord begins when we cease our attempts to move toward Him, realizing that salvation involves His movement toward us.  "I will come to you" declared the Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples, alluding to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that would redeem their hearts after the Savior's atoning work on the cross and His triumphant resurrection from the dead (John 14:18).  "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).  Ongoing fellowship with God also continues as we realize and affirm that our Heavenly Father motivates and empowers all true communion with Himself.  We play an active role in the relationship, but ours is a response from rest, that is, the stillness of heart that exalts the grace of God even as we receive His beneficience by faith.  "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (II Corinthians 10:17).

    Much spiritual movement characterizes the Christian life.  A resting heart in Christ leads to active minds, working hands, walking feet, and self sacrificial actions for the glory of God and the benefit of others.  Stillness of spirit fosters and perpetuates much motion of soul and body.  We rest within by knowing God as the originator and power of beneficial movement, and then walk in the ensuing motion of His leading and enabling.  Or, as the Lord Jesus declared of His life of rest and response, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work" (John 5:17)


"Be still," He said.
"I will," I said.
And there was peace.

But then He moved.
And then I moved.
There was peace.

"Be still again," He said.
"I will again," I said.
We move,
and peace remains.

"Be still I will."


"He that is entered into His rest hath ceased from His own works, as God did from His."
(Hebrews 4:10)

Weekly Memory Verse
   I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for Thou Lord only makest me dwell in safety. 
(Psalm 4:8)
    
 

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