He says, “Be still, and know that I am God”
Psalm 46:10
This is a beloved Bible verse but I did not really appreciate it until our previous pastor, Pastor Richard Lindgren, came to Faith Lutheran in the late 1980s. It was his favorite Bible verse, and in the course of his short time with us, he preached on it several times. We all knew it was his favorite verse, and sometimes when a meeting would get too boisterous, someone would say, “Hey, remember ‘Be Still’!”
But perhaps the most moving appreciation of the verse came when we said good-bye to Pastor Lindgren. At that last gathering, we arranged for a number of people in the congregation to take turns standing and reading the verse to him in other languages in which they were fluent. The first recitation was in English, but then followed by Spanish, German, French and several other languages; recited by men and women, young and old, newer members and long congregants. The pause that followed was the epitome of stillness and blessedness.
Pastor Jon often exhorts us to try to disconnect from our ever busy lives. The current health crisis has forced us to do so. But I don’t think that “social distancing” means substituting other electronic and social media stimulation for the usual distractions. Much of the last week has felt like the preparations for a giant blizzard that is bearing down on us. But when I look out the window, it’s not dark skies and snow I see, but rather sunshine and the beginnings of Spring.
As we are able, we should go outside and not stay cooped up indoors- whether that means walking in the neighborhood or just sitting out in the yard. Many folks seem to be already working in their gardens, getting them ready for the planting season ahead. Even if we keep our distance, it is uplifting to wave to people passing by or call out encouraging words. And in the stillness of the new buds, the returning birds, the fresh breeze, the sunshine on our faces, we will know God and know that He is with us.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God”
Chris Banta