Stillness When Your Heart is Racing (Lent 19-2014)

Have you ever been minding your own business, then “BOOM!” –God shows up?  Or maybe you’ve been going about your daily routine and you have a “God Moment” when all of a sudden you’re powerfully aware that He’s really real?  Or perhaps you’ve had a growing sense that some big event is ahead, you turn a corner, see it, and it scares the socks off of you?

That’s the kind of place Moses was in (Exodus 3).  One moment he’s tending sheep.  The next moment—theophany: A visible manifestation of God’s holiness, presence, and glory!

Note Moses’ reactions and how they progress from simple curiosity (Exodus 3:3)…to a servant’s acknowledgement (Exodus 3:4)…to fear (Exodus 3:6)…to self-doubt (Exodus 3:11)…to begrudging obedience (Exodus 4:10-14).

How is it possible to Be Still when you’re scared stiff? 

When your heart is racing and you feel like you’re in a near panic?

Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5)

Be Still.  I know you’re panicking, but I AM loving as well as holy.  You’re near enough to Be Still so you don’t need to come any closer.  Stay calm.  I AM your place of stillness.

Be Still.  I will guide you through what it means to be My servant.  I AM only asking you to respect that I AM God, there is no other.  Listen to My instructions.  Follow them, and you’ll find yourself experiencing stillness.

Be Still and Know that I AM God. Respect My boundaries and My holiness. The distance between us is not a sign of My disinterest, but of My love for you and protection of you.  My boundaries are not to keep you from Me, but to bring you as close as you can get while keeping you alive in My presence.

Be Still and Know that I AM God.  I AM not the bush and I AM not the flames.  Let your curiosity draw you close.  Listen to Me and learn from Me.  I want you to know Me as I reveal My character, My ways, and My will to you.

 

Questions for reflection:

1. How close are you willing to come to God in order to hear Him speaking to you?
2. How willing are you to obey what He tells you?
3. What are some strategies you can take to acknowledge His holiness and your willingness to serve Him?
4. How might understanding God’s holiness and love keep you still when your heart is racing?  Imagine yourself resting in His hand…