Stop and Be Still and Know

“Awe is the combination of profound wonder, joy, beauty, adoration and deep humility that we experience in the presence of a power infinitely greater than ourselves.”

-Jeff Golliher, Moving Through Fear

I’m going to pose a question.

In the busyness of our lives, how much do we lose the opportunity to dwell in the presence of God?

In the past few months, I have set out to spend more one on one time with God, and I have to say that it has been and remains to be an incredible journey. The more time I spend in nature, the more I am in awe of what God is doing. The more time I spend time with God, the more joy I feel, even in the difficult times. The more He speaks to me.

I have two major blessings in my current situation. First, I do not own a car. Second, I do not own a TV. These may not seem like blessings but let me tell you why I believe they are incredible blessings.

Because I do not have a car, I either take the bus or walk. Currently, I prefer to walk and I normally only take the bus if it’s raining or I’m carrying a lot. I love walking, because I can put on worship music and use my travel time as a worship time. As I walk to my destination, I also see the incredible beauty of God’s creation. Most of the photos I take are taken while I am walking. I see cars go by, with people in them that are most likely focused on what they need to do or where they are going. I believe that sometimes in their busyness and quest to get somewhere quickly, they do not see God’s creation.

The second blessing of not having a TV has helped me to spend a lot of time in God’s presence. I do not think that everyone needs to get rid of their televisions or be extreme about not watching TV, but I do believe that a lot of what is on TV is negative and does not glorify God. I have been without a TV since last August and have probably watched a total of 2 hours of TV since then.

Do I miss TV?

Not at all.

It is normally focused on who we are and not who God is. I spend the majority of my time in nature and I see God’s beauty everywhere I go. I spend time reading by the lake. To me, it is calming and soothing. It helps relieve my anxiety. I feel at peace being by the lake, listening to the birds and the other wildlife.

I am always in awe of God in nature. How many times do you stop to look at the flowers which God has designed? Have you ever been amazed at how beautiful they are?

 Last night there was a beautiful sunset. The rays were awesome. I was completely in awe.

Something I have started a few months ago is to stargaze every few days. When I stargaze, I realize how really small I am and I see life from a higher point of view. It gets rid of the busyness, nitty gritty, day to day lifestyle I get stuck in. God brings a greater picture of life into my mind. There is more to life than the small things. There is a greater power out there.

My challenge to you is to spend more time in God’s presence, whatever that may mean to you. Have a conversation with Him. See the awesomeness in the creation He has created. This world is too beautiful to not spend time dwelling in it just to be still and know God.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

-Psalm 46:10 (NIV)