‘Be still and know … I am God’

 Many years ago during my college days, our professor took our small Bible class on a field trip to Bardstown, Ky., to visit the Gethsemane Monastery, a Trappist monastery where the Roman Catholic monks of that particular monastic  order lived in silence (most of the time). They emphasized the quiet, meditative, contemplative, prayerful lifestyle. They practiced the presence of God in quietness. One of the resident monks was respected author Thomas Merton, whose writings on solitude continue to this day to influence the religious world. 

The lifestyle of the Gethsemane monks was outwardly simplistic, in what they wore, what they ate, how they lived and how they worshipped God … in prayer, public worship, music, study and meditation. They also farmed and grew much of their own food. Their breads and cheeses were sold in the local stores. 

I shall always remember that long ago field trip, for I was a young minister and realized that God was everywhere. A person could practice His presence in the quietness of the country or in the sanctuary of the great cathedral. God was and is everywhere. He was and is omnipresent. 

This lesson is on quietness, being still before the Lord, to experience God’s peace in solitude as one prays, reads, walks, travels and meditates. We are so busy so much of the time that we sometimes forget how to be still before the Lord. Consider these passages:

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him …” -Psalm 37:7a

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14

“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.” – Psalm 40:1

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength …” – Isaiah 30:15

In closing, here is a thought: Since God is everywhere, we do not have to go from place to place to look for Him. He is as close to us as our breathing. And, He still speaks to those who take time to listen. 

Peace!