Be Still

The end of the year and beginning of a new one always brings a time of reflection but as we venture into a new decade, everyone seems particularly interested in looking back at how far they’ve come (or failed to) in the past ten years. I could bore everyone to tears writing about all the ways I have changed and grown in that time, but I prefer to look forward.
What new goals do I want to set for myself?
Where do I need to continue to grow/improve?
How can I stop poor habits and start good ones?

This looking forward usually coalesces into a theme for the year ahead. Last year it was “renewal.” 2019 was certainly a time of renewal for me in many ways. I devoted much more time to studying and sharing God’s word. I invested in my physical health by consistently showing up at the gym and making healthier food choices. I relaxed with friends more. I made new friends. I found new music that spoke to me. All these things fed and refreshed me, yet I found that despite committing to following God’s command for Sabbath rest (Why Is Sabbath Rest So Hard?), I am interminably bad at the one thing that would continually refresh and renew my soul–just being still.  

I realize that is NOT a shock to anyone who knows me. It’s not a shock to me. But I believe I may have finally uncovered the real reasons that I struggle so much with the concept of rest and Sabbath. And I thought maybe during this time of transition and fresh starts, someone else might recognize themselves in my battle.  I always thought I was bad at resting and being still because I just enjoy a faster pace of life. I like being busy and active and accomplishing much. In fact, I thrive on it. It’s my bent, my personality. I’m Type A, an Enneagram 3, and all that. And that is true. But it’s a partial truth. And honestly, a bit of an excuse as well.  

The rest of the truth? I’m afraid…afraid of what I will hear when I’m finally quiet and what that could reveal. I am scared that slowing down and being still will make me feel lazy and bored. I am terrified others will perceive me as lacking, afraid that I will not be able to impress people with my achievements, which is where I tend to find my identity when I’m not resting (that word again) and abiding completely in God, secure in who I am through His finished work on the cross.  

But as a Christ-follower I am to imitate Jesus.  

Never in scripture do I see that Jesus was in a hurry and it’s pretty telling that when I read about times He tarried or stopped to minister to someone while He was needed elsewhere a part of me feels anxious and wants to urge Him to move along.  

Jesus never stressed that He wasn’t performing enough miracles and certainly never concerned Himself with what anyone thought of Him. He was singularly focused on doing the will of the Father and fulfilling His purpose. 

And Jesus was very often still. He regularly withdrew from the crowds spending intentional time apart from even His closest apprentices to be alone with God and pray–even though the needs around Him were great.  

Luke 5:15-16 “But now even more the report about Him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear Him and to be healed of their infirmities. But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”  

In His book “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” John Mark Comer points out that Jesus “…put on display an unhurried life, where space for God was the top priority, and because he said yes to the Father and His kingdom, He constantly said no to countless other invitations.” 

Saying yes to the Father and His kingdom.  

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 

As you’ve probably guessed, my focus for 2020 is to #bestill. But not to be still simply for quiet’s sake and without purpose.  I will still say yes, but I want to say yes because it aligns with God’s priorities and not mine so that He is glorified and exalted. And how can I understand what that looks like unless I withdraw to be alone and still with Him on a regular basis? 

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 

I don’t know exactly how this focus will manifest itself. And I know me–it’s going to be really hard. I will fail and restart and fail again. I need some accountability in this. Will you join me? Contact me here if you share the need to be still and let’s be a group of encouragers seeking to imitate Jesus better in 2020.