By Marilyn Ehle
“Climb higher up the mountain and wait there for me…” (Exodus 24:12 The Message).
“Onward, Christian Soldiers,” “Work for the Night Is Coming,” “Go Forth for God.” But should these great old hymns be prefaced with “Be Still, My Soul” or Nearer, My God, to Thee” ?
Such were my thoughts after finally reaching the flat grey boulder on my morning walk in the Colorado Rockies. I’d made it up the first few hundred feet – a fairly steep incline – and was now catching my breath while overlooking the village below. My exercise goal demanded that I soon continue on the path, one that I knew from experience included several more heart – racing hills. Or would it be enough today to just sit on the rock?
Perhaps today I don’t need to march, work or go forth. Perhaps today I need to sit still to feel the gentle breeze, watch the scampering squirrels, hear the gurgle of the hidden brook. Perhaps God has a special word for me that I will only hear while sitting on the rock.
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~Father, you know my inclination is to march, work and go forth, efforts all necessary in your Kingdom. But sitting on the rock demands patience and stillness, qualities quite unnatural for me. Help me, God, to sit still long enough to regain my spiritual breath and hear your still, small voice.
About the Author
This devotional was written by Marilyn Ehle. Read more about Marilyn: http://www.talk.thelife.com/authors/marilyn-ehle/
Going Deeper
Consider these questions: Which comes more natural for you: marching and working in the Kingdom of God or sitting still in His presence? Why?
How would rock – sitting enhance your work? What practical steps can you take this week to make your rock – sitting times pleasing to God?
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I think I would have to say working in his kingdom because I love to get out among people and I love to talk to them about the Lord an what he has done and what he will do for all of us.I also like my alone time with God and that is when I first get up and get my husband off to work.That is then God’s and my time.I have found that if that is first on my list then my day goes a whole lot better.Rock sitting is the time you spend with God and so that should be at the top of your list.Put God first
The quite times are so reflective for me. When I first saw the appartment I am now living in It was the dead of winter. In fact it was Jan 21,1996. I was able to move in on Jan. 31/96,which is 11 years ago this coming wednesday. With being an 8th floor apartment I have a great veiw overlooking the Univisity of Westren Ontario. Even though there was no leaves on the trees. It was a beautiful picture and everytime I look out over the North end of the city and seeing what GOD has created in nature I realize that WE are so LOVED to have all this beauty around us. Whether its in a City or In the Mountions What GOD has done in nature and with HUMAN BEINGS it is truly amazing. Yes at times I wonder what the furture holds, but then I know GOD wouldn’t put me or anyone else into danger(we do that for ourselfes). But HE will be there always for us no matter what to show us the beauty the we are looking for. All me have to do is turn to HIM
I often retreat to the mountains (North Georgia or Tennessee…the Appalachians) when I have an important decision to make. Being away from the clutter of life, admiring God’s great creation, and breathing in fresh air seems to declutter my mind, and God reveals answers there. Praise Him!
I have to admit, a lot of times it’s hard for me to sit still and listen for God. I tend to keep moving, keep busy, keep going forward. Thinking that all of the things on my to do list are oh so important. I need to remind myself constantly to be still and listen. I need to remind myself of WHO is really important. Everything else will fall into place if I spend my time with God and let Him direct my life. Dear God – please help me to slow down and savor each day. To slow down and listen and look for You in everything I see and hear. Help me to be diligent in taking time to spend with you quietly in prayer. Help me to be diligent in all areas of my life. I love You and I trust in You with all of my heart and soul. Thank you for calling me by name to be Yours for now and eternity. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
oh, Hallelujah. I’m so thankful for this devotional. Quite a few times this week I’ve heard sermons on stillness and taking time out to tarry in the presence of God. Sadly, its something that Christians today are too busy to do. I may have heard it numerous times, but I finally get the hint, hahahaha. Now is the time for application.
I too am very fond of climbing up a path just to stop & observe the view in still quietness. I feel so much closer to God in the awesome grandness of nature than I could in any church or cathedral. It is where I find myself & the rejuvination of my soul. In the cold of winter, its a little harder to find a rock-sitting place but if I’m in desperate need of it, I drive in the warmth of my car to a beautiful mountain lookout & find it there.
I have a ragdoll cat who gets on my lap and kneeds and purrs and this action of my cat speaks to me –that this is exactly what my God desires of me and longs for me to do. Nevada does this every morning- she is so content curled up on my lap purring. This is how I need to be with my Father -to stay with Him as long as possible and be content and quiet. I talk so gentle to her as God talks gentle to me and I tell her how beautiful she is and how much I love her as Father tells me how much He loves me and delights in me. I love Him so.
This website is cool..
I’m a marcher who needs rock-sitting time. I find that I have to remind myself to breathe.
I don’t think that I’m the only one who strives to be productive for the Kingdom of God. It is not as if we are trying to earn our salvation; it’s striving to be good soldiers. Don’t we all want to make a difference?
God, I pray for wisdom…to be wise enough to know when and how to relax on this journey.
the article made me think on the lord – his goodness towards me and others. it brought me back into focus about his kingdom.
i am trully bless just to sit and meditate on spritual songs and enjoyed quiet times with him in this busy world. it takes me back in my early years with lord in church- in the choir -oh life seam less complicated then and easier to serve him only. now i got to make sure i keep him first- then hubby, children etc. i have to more rock sitting – the answer is Put God First as one lady put it- take care of gods business first – he will take care of my business- thanks for the article
How wonderful a truth that our glorious, uncontainable and unsearchable God speaks to us in a still, small voice.This is why we need to withdraw.Separating from the tumult of life seems the only way for me to hear Him. Often, in the wee hours when i can’t sleep, I go to his word and find such rest that sleep missed is a great exchange. Could it be his purpose?
i know i am in need of some rock sitting time! Seems i’ve been climbing a steep mountain for so long,,,,running,running,running and looks like i accomplish nothing….i am learning to wait on God,,,though i want things to happen now,,,i am learning to wait on GOD! Pray for me as i continue on this journey as i will for you…be blessed’
dee
The days go by so quickly it seems, yet when I remind myself of Mathhew 6:33–to seek the Lord first,I find that
the Spirit of God directs my day instead of all of MY OWN
plans, tasks, and business. Thanks you for reminding me of this as I seek for more of God’s perfect peace in my time of change and seeking God’s will for for my life. I am going through struggles at work and I am reminded that HE is in charge, not me. What a comfort! May we all be still and know that HE IS GOD!
I have had a very difficult time lately which, has been put down to my pushing myself much too hard.
I have had three strokes in the past and know I am a candidate for another but although I tell people to take it easy, don’t over do it I don’t take my own advice. But for the last couple of weeks I have been exhausted, unable to communicate, can’t walk or go to the toilet alone. My brain just packed up on me. It got so bad that I was considering taking an overdose when I could get to the bathroom alone and take my tablets on my own.
I was sent a wonderful peice of spiritual reading by a friend who didn’t know I was ill. The piece was so powerful it really shook me up. I had been improving (because I was resting) but I was still ill. I read the e-mail and it made me take stock.
I realise I must take things at a slower pace otherwise I shall continue to be ill, overloading my husband, who is my carer, and he is also ill. I need to reconsider my thinking because I am putting more stress on my family, which is unfair.
I have had time this week to contemplate on my relationship with God. He wouldn’t want me to cause suffering to my family but overdoing things thus making me ill; to such an extent that I consider ending things.
I shall continue to rest, contemplate and be closer to God; and keep well.
Thank you all for your input, it has been encouraging.
I think being still before God is resting in Him.
Don’t try to figure things out, but just simply rest in His love and care. Thats something I have a hard time with.
I overanalyze things, instead of just putting my trust in God and not being afraid of His perfect will for my life.
In Psalm it talks about” Be still And Know That I am God ”
Thats so true. Be still…. And Know… in whatever situation…. that He is God… In other words He is going to bring it all together for our good. :)
God Bless,
Rachael
Sitting on the rock; is reliving u silently wait upon & meditate on his work and are are peace knowing you are in the presence of the lord.
It is indeed a great privaledge to know and experience a God who so wonderfully displays his handy work through nature it really is a special time when we can sit back and observe and appreciate these blessings.
Thank you for this devotional although i caught up with it a bit late it was an oasis amid the stacks of paper and work at my office desk. We definitely serve a true and living God. Praise be to Jesus.