"Be Still." Two words. Constant and always present. Having morning coffee, I hear it: "Be Still." Swimming in the clear blue ocean. Walking on snow white sand. Watching a Fiery red sunset. "Be Still." Fellowshipping with people who have become family. Listening to music, old and new. Feeling the presence of God.
Be Still.
Two very simple words, put together to speak chapters.
Our time in Tanzania and especially Zanzibar has taught me a very important thing. And that is to practice the pause. When in doubt pause. When angry or irritated, pause. When tired or stressed, Pause. And when you pause pray. We live in a fast food society. Everything we do must be done in such a pace so that there may be enough time to do everything needed to be done. We don't know how to practice the pause. We don't know how to Be Still.
Now the original Hebrew root of "Be still" does not mean "Be quiet", it means "Let go!" Let go and let God.
Pause.
Even if it is just for a few minutes. To sit at the feet of Jesus, to let every tangible thing go. It's like taking a sip of eternity and never wanting anything else.
Be Still. Constant and always present.
I know now what David meant when he wrote in the very famous Psalm 23:3 "He refreshes and restores my soul." I have let too many days and hours pass without truly seeing how beautiful and full God's love truly is. How it blooms in the darkness and how it is the only thing I can see. We are His beloved. The one for whom our souls should cry out for. Where we can find rest.
Be Still.
Listen and breathe in every single plan He has for you. Everything He says about you. All those things that weigh you down. Leave them there at His beautiful feet. Don't be in a hurry to leave God's presence. Slow down. Let Him refresh and empower you. He has so much to show you. To teach you. To tell you. You don't have to do a thing, simply be with Him and let everything go. Stay in His glorious presence and just love Him. Wait at His feet. Follow His voice. We don't have to be distant, the veil is torn.
A.W. Tozer once said: "To seek Christ does not narrow ones life, rather it brings it to the level of highest possible fulfillment." We read in Psalm 107:9 "He satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” What a beautiful God we serve. That we may come to His feet and just rest. Letting everything go, to fall into His deep love and beautiful plan He has for each and everyone of us.
Zanzibar you will forever be a place of rest and restoration. I pray that your people may come to know Jesus and the great plans He has for you. I will carry you in my heart. I leave you with these final words:
Be still.
And know.
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