Quiet Waters

I think most would probably agree with me that last year was powerful. Honestly, it was forceful, destructive, and not at all expected.

The chaos of 2020 just slammed its way in and left us scrambling for how to hold on tight to anything we could.  Like an unexpected storm, it came on with fury, flooding every aspect of our lives. Job losses, cancelled events, isolation, political turmoil, riots, and shutdowns. We were desperately trying to stay afloat which meant fighting for anything that made us feel a sense of control. You know you’ve hit a level of ridiculousness when loading up on packages of toilet paper, Lysol wipes, and sanitizer provides you with a strange sense of victory and survival. Honestly, how many times last year did you look at somebody and just say, “Ok, what world are we living in…is this real?”

Like all storms of life, there are certain comforts that we latch on to help us endure and get through it, right? Our family went through phases of having certain staples in our home. Forget toilet paper, we’re talking about phases where life revolved around indulgence…like a month of ice cream, brownies, and homemade bread. Like I said…complete indulgence! After progressing through the junk, we moved to healthier things…avocado toast and family Zumba (yes, it was quite funny). Each phase came on with just as much ferocity as 2020 did, but it moved out at a much faster pace.

Thankfully, though, the consistent craving of Jesus and Bible study is what has really driven us and sustained us through this storm. God quickly showed me that to stay afloat, I actually needed to be willing to give up and let go of my fleshly desires, putting Him above everything else.  I realized that He was purposely using this time to slow everything down and bring me and my family to a place of full reliance and devotion. Isn’t it so powerful and humbling when you can see how God is using the details and circumstances in your life, good and bad, to bring you to another level with him? This is how He always works! My family saw this and witnessed God moving in amazing ways, bringing them to a place of greater spirituality than if 2020 had just been a normal year.

It is so important to always reflect and be thankful for your situations, listen to the Holy Spirit, and open your eyes to what God is doing. You don’t want to miss it!

While I was drawing closer to Jesus in this new quietness in my life, there was something battling this growth though, and quite honestly, hindering me from more of Him.  Even though there was a welcomed stillness in my life and in our home that brought my attention and focus on Him, I was still conflicted with the loudness raging on the outside.  This loudness for me was the hateful, quarreling comments on social media, negative news reports, and divisive politics.  I realized I needed to be willing to remove this outer noise from my life that had serious potential of causing anger, bitterness, and a hardness of heart.

In reading Matthew 14, there is such peace and calmness every time Jesus enters the story. Verse 13 describes Him as withdrawing to a secluded place by Himself. In verse 23, he sends the crowds away and goes up to the mountain alone to pray. What a beautiful picture of how we are to long for solitude with our God and draw near to Him in peace, quietness, and devotion. As He is praying, the disciples are in a boat, far from the shore, being battered by the chaotic wind and waves. With the year we have all had, it’s easy to relate, isn’t it? Again, with such peace, Jesus just comfortably walks on the sea towards them in verse 25. Peter focuses on Jesus, desires to come to Him, and appears to want to fully trust Him. Unfortunately, verse 14:30 explains that it was the outer surroundings, the loudness of the wind, that raged and battled against Peter’s focus.  

I realized these outside influences I was giving attention to were waging war against my peace, love, and devotion to Him. Our merciful God showed me this and lovingly lifted me out from it all. During a year of loudness, He brought me stillness and peace beyond all comprehension. He has led me beside the quiet waters. He has restored my soul.

Are there influences or situations that you need to give up, change, or deny yourself to fully embrace your relationship with Jesus? Do they keep you from being who God is calling and expecting you to be? Maybe you have found yourself struggling with negative thoughts and words, not loving others like Jesus would. If so, allow Him to change that for you right now. As Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. In His love and mercy, Jesus stretched His hand out and took hold of Peter. Keep your focus solely on Him. If you find that hard to do, allow Jesus to take hold of you, just as He did with Peter, and rescue you from the noise. Embrace the quietness so you can hear Him and wholeheartedly follow Him. Let NOTHING come in the way of you and your Savior. May He lead you, too, beside the quiet waters and restore your soul.

Psalm 23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

John 14:27 Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or fearful.

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.”

Isaiah 26:3 The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.