Lately, life is full of storms, both physical and emotional ones that cause anxiety, fear, and damage. These "storms" can come out of nowhere or they can be predicted. This month, Chris Margocs, the host of Spiritual Journey Thursday, offers the topic, Be Still, for us to ponder. Her thoughts are succinctly provided at Horizon 51. Margaret Simon, the coordinator of Spiritual Journey Thursday, kindly created a link-up for the community at her blog post, Presence.
Credit: Photo by Max Larochelle on Unsplash
Last night, the sky opened with quick bolts of lightning and thunderous sounds. The rains pelted down but I did not hear or see the commotion. Only my husband did. I was surprised when I awoke to the news and yet, I felt relieved that I could sleep through the commotion. After all, there have been many downpours that stormed through my life these past months and I was spared a night of interrupted sleep. Perhaps, I am learning to quiet the storms that rage through faith. The following scripture verse is one that found me on my route to finding peace.
Then, they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper. (Psalm 107:28-30)
Credit: Don Moen - Be Still & Know
Be still, my soul.
Find rest.
Just be and know
Storms are a test.
Breathe in.
Find rest.
Forget what's been.
Know what's best.
Be still, my soul.
God brings rest.
©CVarsalona, 2022
This evening, I spent over an hour listening to different meditations on stillness and presence that I found on YouTube. Some involved yoga breathing practices that provided a gentle entrance into centering my thoughts. Being still when I am used to activity is a welcome change. If interested, you can visit the Daily Calm: 10 Minute Mindfulness Meditation, Be Present. Click on the image below.
It is essential to find stillness and be present to block out the horrific happenings in the world and pray for peace. Finding stillness to just be is my Spiritual Journey Thursday goal for this month. I send positive vibes out to all the Spiritual Journey Thursday writers and those inclined to seek ways to be in the moment.
Carol, your lines about sleeping through the thunderstorm took me right to Christ sleeping in the boat when the storm came, whereupon the disciples woke Him in great fear. Peace in the midst of the storm is a perfect illustration for faith (or of "little faith", as Jesus admonished His trembling followers). Storms are going to come. Some are going to be more severe than others. But the Lord is with us, throughout all. Your poem is beautiful, in both the meditative message of release and in its lulling rhythm. As to "just be" - my original post on "Be still" in March 2020 included this deconstruction of Psalm 46:10, attributed to St. Patrick - you may be familiar with it, but if not, I thought you would enjoy:
ReplyDeleteBe still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
-Thank you for the blessing of your words this day.
Carol, so glad you got good sleep. I totally enjoyed your post and poem. I do need the reminder, so easy to dwell on negatives. I loved the Selah video and the juxtaposition of the two hymns. Thanks again. I wish you peace.
ReplyDeleteI love the included meditation in this post, Carol. Thanks for the moments of stillness and peace. May your month be restful and peaceful.
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