Be Still for the Presence of the Lord

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here;
Come bow before him now with reverence and fear…

This beautiful song has meant a lot to me over the years…

…It calls me to be still.

If I’m not busy doing stuff or involved in some activity I’m planning what comes next. Silent inactivity isn’t often high on my agenda.

The wisdom of listening and awareness, patience and peace, silence and the solitude, quietness and gentleness… being still.

…It reminds me that God is here.

My friends involved with the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step programme speak of the ‘power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity’. This power is close and present.

It’s not about the current state of my certain or unsure faith. In my home, in town, on the beach… alone or in a crowd… profound yet simple… particular places, particular moments… Whether or not I’m aware God is here.

Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around;
He burns with holy fire, with splendour he is crowned…

…It captures so many Biblical references…

… Jacob’s running away from home… He has a dream, seeing angels on a ladder and says: ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I didn’t know it.’

… Moses sees a burning bush… God calls Moses from the bush, telling him to take off his sandals as he was standing on holy ground…

…Elijah runs from God and hears him not in the earthquake, wind or fire, but in the ‘still small voice…’

… And this morning I read the familiar Christmas story of shepherds. Still and quiet in the fields they encounter the angel chorus…

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place;
He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister his grace –
No work too hard for him. In faith receive from him.
Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.