Be still…

I just returned from a  brief time at Christ in the Desert Monastery, a Benedictine Monastery in northern New Mexico.  I have traveled to this Monastery six times, during which I was seeking peace, quiet, and time with God.  Each and every time I have visited, it has turned out to be a time of renewal and rejuvenation for my soul as I read His Word, prayed, and remained silent.

One of the Rules of Benedict is silence.  The goal is not non-talking.  The goal of monastic silence is a respect for others, a sense of place, and a spirit of peace.  I have always enjoyed this time with the monks —  to respect their call of God for their lives and to respect those who God has placed in my life.  In the silence you get a tremendous sense of place — of where God has you, what He wants for you, and how to learn to be content in that place, content in His presence.  Finally, I always look forward to the spirit of peace I find in those mountains far from home, being still and being quiet…but not this time.

I could not rest, it was difficult to be still, and I could not find peace.  My heart and spirit were agitated.  I am not sure why, maybe God is preparing me for a new step, or a deeper devotion, or maybe it’s just me not trusting Him.  It was too quiet this time, and fear was battling with me.  Fear about my work, my family, the future; sometimes all we see is the giant.  The scripture says, “be still and know that I am God.”  In spite of our fears, He is God and He goes before us.  “If God is for us then who can be against us.”  Even in the quiet, even in the stillness, even when our hearts are unsettled.

I am grateful that I traveled out there again.  It was different for me, but God was still looking for me, just like He looks for you.  It doesn’t matter if life is smooth or the waters are raging, God will reveal Himself to us.

Be still…