Still: deep silence and calm; stillness.
The day we walked into our new ministry in Cyprus, the first thing I saw was a painting on the wall:
“Be still and know that I am God.
I will be exalted in the Nations.
I will be exalted in all the Earth.”
Psalm 46:10
In the middle of the Mediterranean there is an Island—Cyprus. The Island doesn’t have a giant population, it doesn’t have giant cities, it doesn’t have the fanciest of anything. There are more cats than there are people. Seriously. There are more cats than people. You can’t eat, you can’t walk, you can’t sleep without at least one cat 10 feet away. In the winter season, the tourists are gone and half of the shops and restaurants are closed. Daily life is simple and the culture is laid back. Park on the sidewalk? Why not. While you’re at it go ahead and drive on the sidewalk. There’s not much to draw anyone to Cyprus other than the beaches and vacations. The Greek Cypriots tend to be closed off and not very welcoming. But there are just as many people from all over the world living on this little rock in the sea. Many of the refugees that end up here didn’t even know Cyprus existed. Many thought they were being taken to Italy. Cyprus is NOT Italy. But what it is, is still. Surrounded by countries bustling with the worries of the world, Cyprus feels isolated. Quiet.
The ministry we worked with was called Oasis. This is a perfect description. In desert, where there is no hope for the people, Oasis provides refreshment and hope to many. They shine brightly. They give rest, provide for needs, disciple believers, and reach out to those who have lost so much in their lives. They care. After the first three months, Cyprus felt different. It was a breath of fresh air. Community. Prayer. Family. Thanksgiving. I found a restful peace in Cyprus. Was I meant to stay there? No. But God took all my worries, fears, and doubts and over the course of a month brought them to stillness.
Do not worry. Do not fear. You cling so tightly. Relax. I will take care of you. You will see my faithfulness. Wait on me. Endure. Patience. Let me tell you, patience is not simply waiting. It is an inner peace that confidently waits, expectantly hopes, and leans in knowing that though it may take time, God is going to prove faithful. If you don’t have inner peace, you’re not doing it right. It’s an attitude. It’s a life style. Patience is to be still and confident, not fretful, agitated, and worrisome.
Often, I KNOW that He is God. I KNOW that He speaks. I KNOW that He is faithful and will provide. I 110% believe it. But KNOWING that God has spoken and that His word will come true is not the same as being still. I know it, but I still worry. I let circumstance affect my confidence in Him. He speaks to me and I hear it, but I do not trust and am not still on the inside. I still let my mind fill with frustration, worry, and doubt. God this month taught me this one thing is the source of my confidence.
Be Still
I will still be God tomorrow. I am still your Father today. I will make these things happen. And this I can know with ALL my heart. He IS God. He is Faithful. He is Good. He does speak. And He WILL be exalted in the Nations. Through Oasis and ministries all over the world, through PEOPLE all over the world, His name is being exalted to ALL Nations. He is at work and His work WILL be completed. So be still. Find a deep calmness. Be silent. Listen. And THEN walk forth with confidence. From the quiet place, comes your confidence. We tend to Know without being still. But it says Be Still… and Know… I will be exalted.
Start by stopping. Start by slowing down. Start by stilling your heart.
Like the calm waves that gently break upon the island shores. Day after day, hour after hour, our God IS. And even after the waves cease and the foundations of the world have been shaken…
Our God will still be, be still.
