On Week Two of Advent (December 7-13), the theme is PEACE. Oh, how our world needs peace and how my own soul longs for greater peace. I hope you’ll join me for a brief Advent reflection.

The following exercise is one I regularly introduce to people who are exploring contemplative spiritual practices. It made a huge impression on me the first time I participated in it, and many have told me it is something they return to often, particularly during times of high stress.

Psalm 46:10 says,

“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

Focusing on the first part of this familiar Scripture verse, settle into a comfortable position, take two or three deep breaths, as you meditate on these words bit by bit:

Be still and know that I am God.

(God is both infinite, above and beyond that which we can think or imagine, but also intimate, caring about every small detail of who we are. Of God’s personal attention, Jesus said, “And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” Matthew 10:30)

Be still and know that I AM.

(From Exodus 3:13-14 “Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” )

Be still and know.

(Oftentimes in the busyness or anxiety of life, we forget to trust that which we sincerely believe. Stillness can help clear away some of the internal clutter and clamor so we can settle into truly knowing what we know.)

Be still.

(If/when you choose to practice “stillness,” you will be among only a few who are willing to engage in this counter-cultural practice where busyness, performance, and competition are celebrated. When I decided to incorporate “stillness” into my daily routine, I could manage only about five minutes, and told my husband, “I stink at this!” A few years later, there are times when my soul craves finding God in stillness.)

BE.

(In a world of “doing,” the concept of simply “being” is difficult to grasp, and here’s the thing. “Doing is important! In fact, our doing is essential!

In September, I was privileged to present two sessions at a women’s retreat. The first session was on Friday evening, and I closed out our time with this exercise from Psalm 46. The retreat leader had asked me beforehand to come up with a discussion question. The question that came to me seemed strange, and I knew it was rather esoteric. But I decided to go out on the proverbial limb and ask anyway:

What would be different in your life if more of your “doing” flowed from your “being?”

The insights from these women—especially those who were in the busy season of raising kids, managing homefronts, often while balancing a career—astounded me. I hope some of you reading today’s post will take some time to consider the question.)

Note: All Scriptures in this post are from the NIV.

Discover Peace in Stillness

Advent: Focus on Peace