Stillness
A photo a week throughout 2019: our family, just as we are. 3/52
~ For Lynne ~
You said to be still and know that You are God
I have known for many years
exactly Who You are
Still I thrashed and panicked with every wave
For ever so long
You said when going through waters, You would be with me
You were there, but so was fear
Speaking louder and more convincingly in my ear than Your still, small voice
You said in the valley You would lead me beside still waters
I could hear the water, but could not see it
So I trembled at the unknown, Walking in darkness
Afraid of what I could not see and what I could not control
You were both before and behind me
Not far, not disinterested
Not disappointed in me
As we walked, I discovered Your patience and kindness
And started knowing in deeper ways
Your faithfulness does not depend on my performance
You said I would not hurt, would not struggle, would not weep–in vain,
And would not any of those forever
By the might of Your outstretched arms encircled around me have I been held still
In the waves, in the darkness, in the pain and loneliness
So firmly and gently
So faithfully
The water is washing me through
The night is peace for my anxious thoughts
And the discomfort and uncertainty of any day after this one is not my burden
But my joy and honor
Stillness is trust
Trust that You are loving
Trust that You are Able
Trust that You will keep what I have committed to You
You have set in motion redemption that cannot be taken
By fear, by sorrow, by suffering
By anything
For nothing shall separate me from the love of Jesus
This is stillness
Remembering what You’ve said to be true
Clinging to those promises
As the sustenance of my soul
*****************
1481. little steps, 1482. what a beautiful name on the radio, 1483. sensitivity, 1484. the sanctuary of home, 1485. rolls and nudges, 1486. the honor of quiet things, 1487. cracking a new book, 1488. plans for connecting spaces, 1489. a full five days, 1490. mercy headphones