Startled into Stillness

December 17, 2018

 Scripture

 “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”  (Matthew 1:20-23 NLT)

 Startled into Stillness

I was startled into stillness at a performance of the Equilibrium Dance Collective. Our daughter Heidi dances with this group that gathers for friendship, fitness and occasional performances by women who love to dance but have other real occupations.

One dance was accompanied by a song with the words “Be still and know that I'm with you. Be still and know that I am here”. The words and music embraced me for a meditative moment as the women performed. The magic of Google pointed to an album by the rock group The Fray – not my normal listening space. I have no idea what they think the words mean but they point me to the loving God.

It’s a little before Christmas where being “still” isn’t the main invitation we are receiving. I’ve struggled with stillness.  The invocation “be still and know that I am God” helps. But to hear “be still and know that I am with you” is even more powerful.

That’s the story of Christmas. Even when you are busier than ever, stressed out and overwhelmed – “be still and know that I am with you”. God is with us in Jesus.

 A Prayer for Today

Be still and know that I'm with you
Be still and know that I am here
Be still and know that I'm with you
Be still, be still, and know
When darkness comes upon you
And colors you with fear and shame
Be still and know that I'm with you
And I will say your name
If terror falls upon your bed
And sleep no longer comes
Remember all the words I said
Be still, be still, and know
And when you go through the valley
And the shadow comes down from the hill
If morning never comes to be
Be still, be still, be still
If you forget the way to go
And lose where you came from
If no one is standing beside you
Be still and know I am
Be still and know that I'm with you Be still and know I am.   

(from The Fray’s album Scars & Stories)