I've been thinking about quiet lately, and how much my heart desperately needs it. We live in a culture that is constantly shouting at us. Messages coming from every where -- good, bad, in between, just plain clutter -- all sorts of noise sinking in. We live this life of sounds and accept the consumption. We hear things and see things and read things and watch things and wonder about things and ignore our need for quiet.
"He says, “Be still, and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10aIn the Message translation, it says this: Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. "Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything." Step OUT of traffic. Take a long, loving look at Him.
I know that when I pray, oftentimes, my prayer time is spent mostly in petition and praise, but not much listening. Being still and quiet is hard for me, because my mind is always racing to what's next. I'm always thinking ahead and overanalyzing and wondering and turning a thought or idea around or mulling over something I heard/saw/read.
Be still. Step out of the traffic.
It's so hard.
Above everything. Stop, be still, and take a long loving look at God. Intimately know Him. Not just know who He is, but believe it too. Believe Him and deeply and truly KNOW Him. Intentionally take time to be still, to step away from the clutter and chaos and confusion, and say, "Here I am Lord. I want to see your face." This above everything else.
I'm so distracted by the noise everywhere -- internet, social media, friends, books, movies, family, events, etc., -- that I rarely take time to be truly still. To listen and know and believe with every fiber of my body, and to simply be quiet.I've been rushing around in the fast-paced world, praying and talking to God without waiting for an answer, wondering why I'm not hearing from Him. I haven't taken time to seek His face, to step away and genuinely seek Him.
Being still. Intentionally quiet. Disciplined. Simply listening. This is my prayer for myself. My heart needs quiet -- it craves a personal, impactful, intimate relationship with Christ. And I need to take time to cultivate it. I cannot expect to hear God if I don't cut out the clutter and step away from the noise. If I stood in a crowd, all screaming, how could I assume that I'd hear a friend whisper my name across the room?
I want to step out of traffic and take a long loving look at Him. I want to seek His face not because I feel like I need to, but because I want to -- because I love Him and desire a relationship with Him more than anything else. I want to cut out the clutter, turn off the noise, and hear Him. When He speaks, it's a powerful thing. And I don't want to miss because I'm racing ahead or not listening. I want to be in step with Him, fully aware, walking and loving and listening.
When I'm truly still and quiet, my heart is blessed,
my soul is rejuvenated,
and my spirit is full.
So beautiful Hannah. This is my favorite line, "To listen and know and believe with every fiber of my body, and to simply be quiet." You are so gifted girl! In so many areas, not the least of which is writing. This is really really beautiful. It surely has reminded me to be still, needed all the more because of what's going on in my life right now. It's craziness this world, always rushing on the next thing, and forgetting to take the time to look at what's happening now. So thanks, and God bless you my dear.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful. I'm not religious but yet I could still relate to this so strongly--and that is talent, Hannah. This is something I need to find in myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this encouraging post. I often need to be reminded to just stop and listen, instead of always talking:)
ReplyDeleteHannah, you are a beautiful, gifted writer! Keep it up!
Emily
Thank you so much for posting this, Hannah! I really needed to hear this right about now... It's so odd that we have no trouble being lazy, but it's really, really difficult to truly be still. Thanks again. =)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, Hannah. I really needed it because it's something I need to work on as well :)
ReplyDeletewhat a gorgeous soul you have.
ReplyDeleteDear Hannah, this is so encouraging. I love that bible verse and you are so right about all the things we gain by spending time with God. As an aside, you should check out the 'Jenny and Tyler' version of that Psalm (if you haven't already)- it's a really beautiful song.
ReplyDeleteLove, Megan
I don't mean to offend, Hannah, but I couldn't help but wonder if you got the idea for this post from one I wrote a few days ago. It was also entitled "be still" and it quoted Psalm 46:10. Your post is lovely, but I just wanted to be sure. :)
ReplyDeleteno worries. this post is actually from a journal entry I wrote last week friday. :)
DeleteAh, I see. No problem; it's such a needed message that the more people posting about it, the better. :) You truly have a way with words; everything you write is so heartfelt.
Deletevery beautifully written. thank you for this reminder.
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister! Your posts always have me feeling replenished.
ReplyDeletethank you
-Acacia
ps Yes, it's funny that you, Larkin and Carlotta posted about stillness this week - I suppose we all have been searching for this. I know a few people who are taking blogging breaks and I think ya'll have inspired them! No blogging = more stillness, right?
This post is simply beautiful. I'm so glad you shared this, Hannah. It is so hard to remember to take time to stop and smell the roses.
ReplyDeletexo,
Gabby
Isn't it so true that sometimes we just need to take a step back and get out from all the technology? It completely encompasses our world today and it tries to block God completely out of the picture. Wonderful words, I love how you write in such a clear & beautiful way.
ReplyDeleteYou never disappoint Hannah! Such inspiration! Thanks!
ReplyDeletethis is amazing, hannah. thank you so much for this reminder. i struggle with being still, too. but He is completely worth it.
ReplyDeleteabbie /// xoxox
Totally agree like 110%. A relationship with Jesus doesn't just happen; it takes work and time spent in His presence. I definitely need a few more peaceful moments during the day. :)
ReplyDeletei turned off the music to read this post. this world, you're right... it's so loud. in the middle of science the other day, i just couldn't sit there in that noisy science room anymore. i went for a walk in the rain, and those few moments were the beautiful of my day. my only regret, that i didn't stay longer. so, we mustn't give up. listen. wait. yes, i need to hear this post.
ReplyDeleteThat was another one of your awesome posts! SO true!
ReplyDeleteAbigail
abigailandherfamily.blogspot.com
Beautiful photos! And this is so great... a wonderful reminder. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou are speaking my heart with your words. It's hard for me too, to sit and be still in His presence. I feel like I must be speaking, or writing, or painting. But I have to remind myself that it's not about the "doing", but rather the "being".
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and well said, Hannah.
ReplyDeleteHey, I've got a question for ya. How did you get into web design? Were you self-taught? If so, how did you figure it out?
You're beautiful. I just thought you should know that. Keep up with the enthralling writing.
ReplyDeleteI really needed to read this. Thank you so much, Hannah, for the reminder as well as the beautiful note you left on my blog {which REALLY made my day, coming from a blogger I highly look up to. ;)}
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Grace
>>-----> come stop for tea @ Grace's Garden Walk
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI needed to be reminded of this, Hannah! Thank you. :)
ReplyDeletewell, ditto.
ReplyDelete-jocee <3