Snow has always mesmerized me. Even as an adult, I find that my spirit calms in the stillness. Sounds are no longer bouncing off things anymore. Rushing ceases and people can be found inside their homes decompressing with loved ones. Peace washes over everything and almost like magic, we have centered again for that brief moment. Why can’t this bliss last longer? For this reason, I’ve always called snow God’s pause button. What if the continuation of that peace were a choice? Sadly, snow is a rarity, at least here in the south. It’s as though our busyness spins us into a perpetual swivet that we are unable to derail. God slows his children much like a parent trying to settle a disgruntled child. We humans, in general, aren’t conditioned to be still anymore because it is unproductive. Then when an unplanned life event happens, we become impatient, frantic and reactive before collapsing or becoming paralyzed by fear of the unknown. Never have I know peace like that outside of snowy days until now.
This 2020 pandemic has pushed us into a collective pause rendering a plot twist we never saw coming. We all seem to be off-kilter. May we stop worrying about things we lack control over, disallow worldly distraction and listen to the Lord.(Luke 10:38-42) Faith and fear cannot coexist. We cannot inhabit both simultaneously. It is human to fear and faithful to trust. By intentionally choosing trust daily, you will be rewarded greatly. Wait patiently and trust in the Lord. (Psalm 62:5-6) He promises to use this for our good. (Romans 8:28)Peace will never be found if we are perpetually busy doing things. Ceasing our task list to allow Christ to give us a peace that the world can’t offer (Philippians 4:7). Using this discernment will demonstrate to the world an unexplainable and perfectly enviable, peace in him that seems unknown to non-believers. Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
Stillness allows God to speak to us individually. There are four ways we can hear from God. The Bible is a road map of scriptures that tells us how we are expected to navigate this life and receive his blessings. We are taught by ministers and teachers just how to live inside his will. Impressions are given to us as intuitive nudges but must match the word. Seeking verification in the word is called bible study. Circumstances are used to help us make course corrections during those swivets. It is our free will to use the lessons found within the circumstances to grow or stagnate. God, ever the gentleman, does have a still small voice inside of you that over time you will become accustomed to listening to as you begin to listen and obey the nudges.
Imagine a world where we thank God for our circumstances and surrender our fears and stinking thinking in exchange for the blessings he has hidden inside them. For the first time in our lives, we are asked to simply be still, use our common sense, listen to our loved ones, tighten our circle to those who matter, savor home, nourish ourselves, rest, play, listen to the birds, feel the sun, smell soothing aromas, soak our bodies, sit on the porch, read something other than news, watch our pets sleep and hear our children’s laughter, hold those you love, grow your mind, create, travel down memory lane, move our bodies. This is the current reality for the vast majority and yet we continue to complain. I encourage each of you to reevaluate your values.
Media is a business that cares nothing about our well- being and strives to capture your mind in ruthless ways and fill it with toxicity to the degree we can’t think rationally for ourselves. Consider releasing your mind from media-induced angst by unplugging. Inside the silence, we can find forgiveness, peace for our worries, healing and regain clarity in place of confusion. It is imperative that we are good stewards of this precious time we’ve been gifted. Embrace the power of the pause.
Related scriptures:
1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 46:10-11, Exodus 14:14, Mark 4:39-41, Psalm 107:28-29, Psalm 46:1-7,
1 Samuel 12:16, Psalm 107:28-29