REST! BUT HOW?

 

JUNE 7, 2024

Psalm 46:10

Be still and know that I am God. 

REST! BUT HOW?

In today's fast-paced culture, where the hustle and bustle never seem to stop, carving out a space for silence and solitude can feel like “finding a unicorn.” It's a rare treasure that allows us to connect with something greater than ourselves, to exchange the chaos for some divine R & R. But let's be real, when we do stumble upon a quiet moment, we're quick to fill it with binge-watching, texting, scrolling, chit-chat, tunes, or a whirlwind of thoughts. Imagine, though, what could unfold if we embraced a steady rhythm of peace and quiet in our lives?

Engaging in the spiritual practices of silence and solitude goes beyond personal gain or appeal; it's deeply rooted in Scripture. This mirrors the path of Jesus, who often retreated to solitary places. Thus, it's a discipline that should be part of our regular spiritual routine. After all, Jesus set the example for us.  The following are some instances from Scripture that illustrate this practice:

• Jesus began his ministry with solitude (Matthew 4:1-11).

• After a long day of ministry, “he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray,” (Matthew 14:23).

• Before the cross, Jesus goes to Gethsemane with his disciples and says, “Sit here while I go over there and pray,” (Matthew 26:36).

• “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed,” (Mark 1:35).

• In Mark 6:31-32 we see Jesus practicing this rest that we have been talking about, in community with his disciples. He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest,” (Mark 6:31-32).

Repeatedly, we read of Jesus withdrawing from the world's noise and demands to seek a calm, restful and secluded space for communion with the Father through prayer.

I am constantly reminding myself that embracing moments of silence and solitude can be incredibly rewarding, though such discipline may seem unattainable. I am sure you do the same. Today, I urge all of us to embrace the divine call to retreat into a sacred space. Regardless of the duration or the distractions, seize opportunities to delight in the God's presence and discover the transformation it brings to your life.

To incorporate this spiritual practice into your daily routine, consider the following practical steps:

Start with a simple five minutes per day. Perhaps, before you reach for your phone in the morning or begin getting ready, take five minutes to rest with Jesus.

Go on a walk. Spending time in silence and solitude can be enjoyed in nature, in the Lord’s very creation. 

Rest in your favorite outdoor spot, just take in the sights and sounds. The action of rest and solitude is a time for listening for the creator's voice of comfort and peace.

I like how Theologian Robert Mulholland describes the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude. He writes they are "a profound departure from societal norms. Silence involves surrendering and yielding control to God."

So, let us do what our scripture reading from Psalm 46 says "Be Still, and Know" our Creator. Amen.