by Kala Loptien

Find Your Still

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Sound Cloud link.

Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!
Psalm 113:2-3 English Standard Version

When we visit my brother and sister-in-law in Wyoming, it feels like a retreat. They live on a couple acres, along rolling prairie, far from bustling streets and bright lights. From their deck, the eye spans for miles. Critters run and roam free. It’s quiet and peaceful. When the sun sets, get your cameras ready. “Golden hour” soaks the earth with rich tones just before the sun disappears in a vivid and fiery display.

These are the moments we need in our life. Stillness. Rest. Peace. Most importantly, that reminder that God is in charge, day in and day out. A wall piece sits above our stairwell so when we stumble down to the coffee machine, we read: “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.” We need Him constantly throughout the day. If we’re honest, there are times our lives become too busy to pause and recognize it. How ironic. The God who made us and sustains us. The actual author, life-saver and life-giver becomes an afterthought? If you’re like me, you have a handful of lists, calendar notes and projects. When we live continuously in a busy, rushed, boxes-checked, phones-in faces world, we lose sight of something: to be present. Taking time to be present with and for people floats down the list. Taking time to really talk to God and praise His holy name (not just present Him with more lists) ends up rushed (at best).

We need a serious check when this happens. We need Him all day, every day. We need that quiet time with Him, offering worship and praise as we come before the throne with contrite hearts, acknowledging our iniquities. Next comes an outpouring of gratitude. We often focus on what we don’t have, forgetting that salvation and eternal life are the ultimate gift. Requests and supplications, though they tend to take center stage in our prayer life, should be secondary.

What helps you remember to be present, seek His presence and properly praise Him? Whatever that might be, find it today. Find your “still,” feel His peace and rest assured that He’s in control. He’s got this.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado