by Kala Loptien

Seeking Stillness

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

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 125: 1-2 ESV

What a beautiful and comforting promise! If you’ve ever traveled or trekked deep into a mountain range, you fully understand the simile used by the Psalmist in today’s passage. Mountains are immovable, majestic and even overwhelming at times. They can bring about a sense of isolation and solitude. Yet, I often discover a supreme stillness, peace and closeness in those moments. For a split second, with a rush of reverence, we forget the worries of the world. Instead, we find ourselves embraced.

We know Jerusalem was surrounded by hills and mountains — The Mount of Olives being perhaps the most notable. These mountains provided protection for the people and a respite in times of trouble. Perhaps they even offered the same sense of peace and stillness we find today. In a recent photoshoot trip to Steamboat Springs, I found myself at the base of this waterfall. The rush of the water and the echo of the canyon offered a calm. The scene was serene, providing a rare moment to just be still and take a deep breath…

Are you in need of some serious stillness? A time that allows you to be surrounded and embraced by your Creator? Maybe you’ve been running at an unsustainable pace. Maybe you’ve allowed your quiet time/devotion/prayer life/worship to slip. Can you tell? I don’t know about you, but I can start feeling it in my heart, soul and body. That’s a sweet reminder that our priorities need to shift back to their rightful places.

The beautiful truth about God’s presence is that He’s everywhere, all the time (not just in the mountains :). We, like Jerusalem, are “surrounded  forevermore.” And, oh my, do we need Him….everywhere and all the time! Abide in Him. Seek and find that peace and that stillness today.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado