I remember, like I was there, the wind coming off the Red Sea, the smell of dust and fear in the air, the sound of Egypt’s infamous chariots getting louder, the grumbling of recent slaves, and the clear voice of Moses: “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14, NIV).
I remember, like I was there, the noise of clay vessels clinking together and the smell of food wafting in from the other room and the frustration, the utter frustration on the furrowed brow of Martha: “Make her help!” And the kind words of Jesus, words of invitation and rest; worry replaced by being still.
I remember, because I’ve been there, the fevered pitch of Christmas decorating, the rising tension of party prep, the angry sound of spiteful vacuuming, the exhaustion of trying to get it all ready in time; and then the quiet glow of the Christmas tree in a dark and almost empty house. Words of comfort and forgiveness given and received. The rest for the soul that comes from being still in Jesus’ presence.
However busy you get this season—and the busier you are, the more likely your relationship with God and others will suffer to some extent—however busy you are, don’t forget: the Real Work is done. You need only to be still.
Psalm 46:7-11 (KJV)
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth;
he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder;
he burneth the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted
among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Prayer
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my
entire will; all I have and call my own.
You have given all to me. To you, Lord,
I return it. Everything is yours; do with it
what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace;
that is enough for me.
—St. Ignatius of Loyola