Being Still

Ever stop to think why nothing is so loud as silence? In this day in age, silence is a rarity. We live in an age of constant noise. So much so that we do not even fully understand what it means to be still before the Lord.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to do a "stillness experience" with my internship. I know, I have an amazing internship. Basically, we all headed to Woodmen Valley Chapel for an afternoon of stillness. Our supervisor Tim, gave us three hours to be still before the Lord. The only stipulations were that we must turn off our cell phones and Ipods. He gave us an article entitled, The Surprising Rewards of Silence to help direct us and then we were free to be still before the Lord. For me, this was the most humbling experience. I wanted to share just a few things the Lord taught me during this time.

We've all heard the passage, "Be still, and know that I am God" but do we really understand what David was saying? As I began to read over this verse, I looked up what the word "still" means. Still means to stop striving, let go or relax. For me, this gave the verse a whole new meaning..."Relax and know that I am God". It was then that the Lord began to convict me of my restless heart.

Why are we so afraid to be quiet before the Lord? Is it because we want control? Or maybe it is because we are fearful that we will realize our total depravity. A. W. Tozer once said, "Very few of us know the secret of bathing our souls in silence." We fool ourselves into thinking that we are in control. But in reality, we are not in control. Being still before the Lord causes us to relinquish all control.

In Tim Sanford's article he asks a thought provoking question, "Is Christianity just words on onionskin paper? Or do we want something more, something real and living?" Knowing God and being still go hand in hand. True Christianity stems from knowing God personally. So what can be gained from sitting before a God we cannot see? The very things we try to get elsewhere but cannot. We gain wisdom, humility, peace, faith and intimacy.

So I challenge you to be still before the Lord. Let Him speak to you. Just as Job says, " I am unworthy-how can I reply to you? I have put my hand over my mouth...I have no answer-...I will say no more."
(Job 40:4-5)

From the Secular to the Sacred

What is sacred and what is secular? This is often a question many Christ-followers ask in the santification process. As finite human beings, we often "compartmentalize" areas of life. I frequently find myself saying, "that was a random conversation" or "isn't that a weird coincidence". Then, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Oswald Chambers on this matter. He says, " A saint is not to take the initiative toward self-realization, but toward knowing Jesus Christ. A spiritually vigorous saint never believes that his circumstances simply happen at random, nor does he ever think of his life as being divided into the secular and the sacred. He sees every situation in which he finds himself as the means of obtaining a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ, and he has an attitude of unrestrained abandon and total surrender about him."

So now you may be saying, "Okay, I think I understand what Chambers is saying but how does this practically play out in my life?". Good question. I often times battle this as well. Then, God shows up and reminds me of His power and character. Let me explain.

I was on the phone with my mom yesterday discussing personality traits and such. I have recently come to the sobering reality that by nature, I am an introvert. The introvert/extrovert topic will be a future blog post.:) As we were discussing my introverted tendencies, I discussed with my mom why it is hard for me to have "small talk" with strangers. That was the jist of our conversation.

Then, I go to our apartment gym. I will go ahead and admit to you that I ashamedly went to work out and conveniently watch The Bachelor at the same time. Ironically, I began to have small talk with a girl who was working out and watching The Bachelor as well. One comment led to another and by the end of the show, I had the opportunity to hear about the struggles she has been facing in the past 2 years. It was an incredible conversation that I pray it will be the beginning of a relationship with this non-believer (please be praying).

I say all this to share with you an invaluable lesson God taught me yet again. Jesus Christ sees every situation as a way to draw us close and know Him (Phil. 3: 10). Every situation is the means for the believer to obtain a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ. Last night, I learned that the Holy Spirit is my helper. Despite what is "difficult" for me to do, He provides help, grace and mercy. It is my prayer that I would continue to be reminded that everything is sacred to the Lord and I hope you will as well!

Soul Surfer

You may remember the incredible story of Bethany Hamilton. As a teenage girl, Bethany was surfing on the North Shore of Hawaii and was attacked by a shark. Although she survived, she lost her arm. Despite all odds, Bethany preserved. She was determined to not give up on surfing. In fact, she was so determined, she was back in the water in less than a month! How was she so determined? Why did she continue to preserve? Bethany will tell you that it was her faith in God that strengthened her. What would seem to be a tragedy to the world was used to bring glory to God. I like to call it a "holy handicap". :)

Pretty incredible story, huh? Well, it gets even better! After years of traveling and sharing with the world about her tragedy, Bethany and her family agreed to make her story into a movie. The Hamilton's believe that Bethany's story is a testimony of God's grace and mercy and want to share it with the world. So, the movie Soul Surfer will be coming to theaters April 8th.

Now you may ask, why are you so passionate about Bethany's story? I'm glad you asked! This past week, I had the opportunity to meet Bethany at Focus on the Family. As a part of Focus Leadership Institute, I was able to do a taped interview with Bethany. The purpose was to get peers to ask Bethany questions regarding her faith, identity in the Lord and how God helped her to overcome the trials she faced. Focus is planning to launch the interview on their site (i believe) when the movie is released. Their desire is that it would be an encouragement and challenge to teenage girls.

I also had the opportunity that night to see the movie for myself. Bethany was there at the end to answer questions we had about the movie. I can honestly say, it is a movie you don't want to miss! make sure to check out the trailer and site below!
soulsurferwave.com

I'll try to post the picture of us with Bethany soon!