Last week ENan and I took a road trip to Virginia to see our son and his family. Actually, we went to participate in some Halloween activities with our granddaughters, but, still, it was nice that their parents were there also.
The weather was unseasonably warm for late October, so we made the most of it. While the girls were in school, the grown-ups went hiking at an orchard with a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. We also took part in an end-of-the-soccer-season gathering at a local park. Following pizza and trophy presentations, we walked down by the lake. The sun was setting and the sky was ablaze with color. I snapped this picture to catch the glory of God’s creation, but the more I studied the scene, I realized something else was stirring on a deeper level.
There was no wind blowing ruffles on the surface of the water. Everything was perfectly still, allowing the beauty of the sunset to be perfectly reflected to those of us who were paying attention. God was reminding me that, like that lake, my life better reflects the love and mercy of God when I am at peace with myself, with God and with others.
I struggle with how to achieve that “non-anxious presence.” How do I set aside the worries and turmoil I feel? I cannot simply will myself to be at peace when there is chaos and disruption around me. I can only find peace when I bring my anxious spirit before God. Scripture encourages us, “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness…will come and settle you down.” (Philippians 6:6-7 MSG)
The Psalmist wrote, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) When we allow the Holy Spirit to calm the waters of our hearts and minds, we become aware of God’s presence. We see what He is doing in our world. We hear His whispers. We begin to move with His rhythms.
When folks saw Jesus’ disciples, they noted, “They have been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) I hope they say the same about you and me.
-Dr. Jim Baldwin
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