In the cool of morning two weeks ago, I sat on our deck before the sun had cleared the distant trees–much less those close by. Below, the creek bed of lush foliage loomed dark and still, but above me birds chattered happily while one lone cardinal out-sang them all. Thankfully the cicadas hadn’t started their ruckus yet.
From several blocks away, commuter traffic already rumbled, and high in the sky the occasional jet roared northward. Yet the serenity of my immediate surroundings superseded the extraneous noise.
And I sensed God saying to me:
Breathe in the stillness, in spite of traffic din and aircraft drone.
I’m referring to the serenity you feel in your spirit because of what you see around you: quiet trees unmoved by breeze, the tranquil creek bed, and the peaceful yard to the east where golden light silently presses against deep shadow—portraits of stillness in spite of the noise.
Be mindful that, as the sun faithfully turns darkness into day, my face shines faithfully upon you with the golden light of peace (1). I push back the shadows of worry and fear while the noise in the world clamors around you—political factions arguing against one another, loud voices contending for self-serving agendas, terrorists, criminals, and thugs wreaking havoc, and more (Philippians 4:6-7).
Learn from the birds and woodland creatures who find refuge in the thick foliage of bush and tree. You too can find refuge—in me. In fact, peace grows in direct proportion to time spent with me (2).
Picture yourself surrounded by my protective, calming presence and affirm:
- I will never stop caring for you or supplying your every need (3)
- I will never leave you to struggle alone (4)
- I will never fail you, no matter how the future unfolds (5)
Focus the eyes of your spirit on such promises. Feel their truths calm your heart (6).
Even as the noise of this world grows louder because the end of time draws near, breathe in such peace-generating realities often. Let them usher you into my Presence, surround you with comfort, and encourage your soul (7).
I long for you to live within the tranquility and protection of my Presence.
* * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Father, for even wanting to be my shelter. Thank you for your loving care expressed in countless ways over the decades.
I know you are trustworthy. I praise you for your unfailing love that will see me through whatever the future holds. In addition, you will provide quiet refuge within my spirit where I can rest in you.
Help me keep focused on you, to live in the shelter of your love no matter the noise of the world.
(1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 9:10; Psalm 32:10;
Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 119:114)
Notes:
- Numbers 6:24-26
- Isaiah 26:3
- Philippians 4:19
- Isaiah 41:10
- Hebrews 13:5c
- Psalm 119:50b
- Psalm 119:165
Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg (2), http://www.flickr.com; http://www.canva.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; www. heartlight.org.
From the Inside Out 
Lovely, Nancy, thank you. -C.D.
Thank you, Carole. Praise God for his inspiration!
Thank you. I really needed this.
I’m honored to be part of God’s “delivery” of what you needed, Chris!
Thank you for the encouragement my friend. May we find our pleasure in Him
Thank YOU, Brenda, and oh yes–may we find our pleasure in him moment by moment!
Oh, Nancy, I so very much needed this today! I’m praising the Lord for using you to deliver such a wonderful message of hope and the certainly of God’s power in our lives. In today’s world Satan knows his days are numbered and has upped his assault upon God’s children as he uses the clamor, noise, and terrible circumstances of the world to distract us from looking to our Savior and His promises. Praise the Lord that He has already won the battle and has lovingly provided us with peace when we keep focused upon Him.
AMEN, Cheri! I need the reminders myself to stand on the promises and cling to Jesus!
I think we both breath in the solace and stillness on our decks! Holy ground for sure
Yes we do, Jean. As I settle in my deck chair, coffee mug in tow, I always think of you doing the same! I so agree with you–our outdoor quiet-time spots really are “holy!”
Beautiful! Amen!
Praise God you found beauty here, Janet!
Oh yes! Only the Spirit can overflow us with all joy and hope! No earthly being or thing can even come close …
AMEN, Linda! The key is to stay mindful.
Nancy,
“…where golden light silently presses against deep shadow—portraits of stillness in spite of the noise.”
Your words and Conversation are so beautiful. And I felt like I was right there on the deck with you, taking it all in. 🙂
Deb
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Deborah. You’re welcome to join me on our deck anytime! : )
Wouldn’t that be a treat?! 😀
When we simply become still, we can see and feel God’s presence in the world around us. You’ve expressed that so eloquently here, Nancy.
Blessings!
When we’re still, then we can know God, said the psalmist in 46:10. Much to ponder in those words alone, yes? Thank you, Martha, for your kind words!
This is so needed in our world today, and certainly in my life. You have done a beautiful job of reminding me of how important it is to focus on God – to “Be still and know that I am God.” Our world is so loud, like you said, but may I learn more and more to discipline myself to focus on God and to be still in His presence. Blessings, Nancy. Thank you for always encouraging me.
It is my honor to be able to encourage you, Patty. Thank you for being a faithful reader!
It’s a joy to read your blog!
Beautiful!! I love when we can focus and converse with our Lord on that passionate and deep of a level without being distracted by all the crazy going on on the outside.
Love your words here: “Learn from the birds and woodland creatures who find refuge in the thick foliage of bush and tree. You too can find refuge—in me.”
Such truth and comfort!! Words of peace for sure.
Thank you, Alicia. Praise God for the truth, comfort, and peace he provided through these words!
Nancy, thank you for your encouragement. Practicing stillness to know God and trust in His peace!
You are so welcome, Pam. I’m still on the learning curve for learning stillness and implicit trust in God’s perfect peace. But he’s making progress on me!
I feel more peace just by reading this! Thank you!
It is an honor for me to bring more peace to you, dear Mary. You are welcome!
Your words bring an almost overwhelming sense of calm, Nancy. I sensed His presence this morning as I walked between our pastures, simply dragging the garbage can out to the street corner. Then I returned to my computer, where your words and images spelled out the feeling. Thank you for this reassurance.
What a delight for me to bring you reassurance of God’s presence, Dave. Isn’t it amazing that even dragging the garbage cans to the street corner can be an uplifting, spiritual experience when we invite God to join us!
There have been times in my life that I have sensed God telling me to soak up the stillness. It always seemed like He was preparing me for tasks to come. Thank you for sharing this.
You’re welcome, Beth. Praise God for his inspiration! Interesting that soaking up the stillness seemed to prepare you for a task to come. I wonder if he has anything particular in mind this time!
Nancy, this was so lovely and encouraging to read. Thank you! I literally sat here and took a few deep breaths just reading your words, envisioning your view. Lovely!
Thank you, Jody. I know you’re another one who revels in the outdoors as a backdrop for quiet time. This post would likely not have been written without you! You’re the one who encouraged us at the writers’ retreat more than five years ago (!) to listen for God’s voice and write the impressions he lays on our hearts. It’s been such an invaluable spiritual practice, but must admit, I do not avail myself of its benefits often enough. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
Nancy,
I love the imagery of seeking the Lord’s refuge like the creatures seek refuge in the woods. The Lord does that for us from the inside out. The world can feel like a dangerous post-apocalypse world, but He gives us His perfect presence within our hearts.
In Christ,
Gary
Thank you and AMEN, Gary!