The Pastor's Corner for August, 2019

Dear Friends in Christ,

There is a mountain in Colorado with a timber cross on its peak. Over the years, young people from a nearby Christian camp have come and placed stones at its base, so that now only the crossbeam is exposed. Carved into that crossbeam are words from Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God!” Campers, after placing their stones at the base of the cross, are encouraged to spend a few moments in silence.

Being still is not easy in our world. There are too many distractions, too much noise, too many things competing for our attention, too many details to attend to. Opportunities to be still are few and far between. But that is just what we are called to do. Be still, even for just a moment, and open your heart and spirit to God’s love for you.
 
God loves you, and invites you into relationship. God came to earth in Jesus Christ to show just how much God cares for each of us and desires to know us. But nurturing your relationship with God is the same as nurturing any relationship, it takes time and attention. If you want to nurture your relationship with God and appreciate God’s amazing love for you…you must be still! 

Here is an exercise to help create a few moments of stillness in the midst of your day. It uses the verse above from Psalm 46.

First, find a comfortable place to sit. Next close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then, repeat several times silently and slowly, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Then take a couple of deep breaths and repeat silently several times, “Be still and know that I am…” Continue on in the same way, with “Be still and know…”, “Be still…” and “Be…” Remain sitting silently for a time after the final “Be...” 

I encourage you, during the coming month to find a time each day to do this exercise and simply be still and open yourself to God. Who knows what might happen?

Pastor Carolyn